The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Alberto Diaz, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with a detachment of Marine Light Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN (HML-167), Marine Aircraft Group Twenty-Nine, in the Commonwealth of Dominica on 4 September 1979. While participating in hurricane relief operations, the camp of the detachment to which Corporal Diaz was attached was struck by a sudden and devastating flash flood during the night. Caught by surprise, Corporal Diaz and another Marine were still in the tent when the flood hit the area. Corporal Diaz unhesitatingly proceeded to support the tent against the rising turbulent water in an effort to free the other Marine. Realizing the impossibility of saving the Marine alone, Corporal Diaz quickly summoned assistance. Reacting to Corporal Diaz’s call, a third Marine arrived with a knife and cut a hole in the roof of the tent. Corporal Diaz immediately dove into the water, entered the collapsed tent, and assisted the Marine in escaping. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Corporal Diaz undoubtedly saved a fellow Marine from drowning; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.