The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman First Class Rudolf Edward Delgado, United States Navy, for heroism in a life saving action while attending the Yeoman Refresher Course at the Naval Reserve Management School in New Orleans, Louisiana. While returning from liberty on 1 April 1978, Petty Officer Delgado and six other reservists observed an apartment house engulfed in flames and stopped to render assistance. Arriving at the scene prior to any fire fighting equipment, Petty Officer Delgado, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, scaled a 12 foot wall and managed to help three elderly residents down from the roof of the burning building. In an attempt to rescale the wall, he received lacerations to the hands and arm which required subsequent medical treatment. Petty Officer Delgado’s decisive action and courageousness saved the lives of several persons; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.