The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Anthony J. Cottrell, United States Marine Corps, for heroism on 14 April 1975 as a member of the Night Maintenance Crew while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMA(AW)-533), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, Naval Air Station, Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines. Observing an A-6 aircraft crash into an adjacent working area, Lance Corporal Cottrell, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, immediately proceeded to the crash site and attempted to extinguish the fire that resulted from the crash. Upon hearing cries for help coming from one of the burning buildings, he unhesitatingly ran to the doorway and attempted to expend his fire extinguished in a valiant effort to reduce the intensity of the blaze. When his extinguisher failed to operate properly, he ran back to the flight line to retrieve another. Returning to the now more intense fire, he again attempted to enter the building, but was prevented from doing so by exploding liquid oxygen converters, and flares from within. Forced from the building by the flames of the intense fire, Lance Corporal Cottrell, in a last desperate attempt to reach the victims trapped inside, drenched himself and his clothing with water and tried to rescue the Marines within the fire. His efforts were again thwarted as the building collapsed. Displaying initiative, he directed his attention to removal of nitrogen and oxygen cylinders from within and around the burning area. By his bold courage, prompt actions, and resourcefulness, Lance Corporal Cottrell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.