The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal John Allen Couch, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a member of Rations Company, Second Supply Battalion, Second Force Service Support Group (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, on 26 May 1984. Upon hearing cries of people on the beach that a child was being swept out to sea, Lance Corporal Couch, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly plunged into the waters off Emerald Isle, North Carolina, during severe and dangerous undertow conditions and effected the rescue of a ten year old boy. His courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk undoubtedly saved the boy from certain crowning and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.