The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Senior Chief Yeoman Robert L. Crutcher, United States Navy, for heroism while serving in an off-duty status at the University of Minnesota NROTC Unit on 18 April 1981. Responding to cries of alarm from a crowd of onlookers immobilized by the plight of an infant girl who had fallen into the swirling water at the Coon Rapids Dam, Senior Chief Petty Officer Crutcher immediately assessed the situation and ran up the cement abutment to get as near the child as he could. Noticing her continued rapid movement from shore, Senior Chief Petty Officer Crutcher, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of his inability to swim, unhesitatingly plunged into the 50 degree water in an attempt to save the child. Upon reaching here, Senior Chief Petty Officer Crutcher managed to keep her afloat until onlookers threw a life ring with a rope attached and pulled them to safety. By his prompt and courageous actions in the face of extreme personal danger, Senior Chief Petty Officer Crutcher undoubtedly saved the life of the infant girl; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.