The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Apprentice Christopher Dean Caviness, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. CAMDEN (AOE-2) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington on 5 February 1983. Upon hearing cries for help from two servicemen who had fallen into the water on the seaward side of Drydock #4, Seaman Apprentice Caviness noted that one sailor was unconscious and the second sailor was too cold to support the other. When the unconscious sailor began to slip under the water, Seaman Apprentice Caviness, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly plunged into the frigid waters in an effort to assist the two men. Upon reaching them, he pulled the unconscious sailor to the surface and attached a line around him so he could be pulled onto the safety of the pier. He then tied a line around the second sailor to assist him in getting onto the pier. Seaman Apprentice Caviness’ courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk undoubtedly saved the unconscious sailor from drowning and probably saved the life of the second sailor as well; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.