The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Tommy R. Chedester, United States Navy, for heroism while serving with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO, Naval Station Rota, Spain on 23 February 1979. Upon discovering a shipmate’s home to be filled with dangerously explosive butane gas and the occupants overcome by the highly toxic fumes, Petty Officer Chedester, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly entered the residence. He immediately secured the gas, ventilated the premises, and then drove to the Naval Station and got Shore Patrol and ambulance assistance. By his decisive and courageous action in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Chedester was instrumental in saving the lives of two of his shipmates; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.