The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman First Class Clyde Alexander Coley, Jr. (NSN: 6823277), United States Navy, for heroism while serving with the Military Equipment Delivery Team, Cambodia, on 22 March 1975. Petty Officer Coley volunteered to assist in ground support operations at Pochentong Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia during the emergency re-supply of food, ammunition, and fuel to the besieged Cambodian Capital. During off-loading of a DC-8 aircraft the airfield came under a heavy rocket attack which punctured a fuel tank and started a large fire on the aircraft and on the ground. The crew was evacuated and fire fighting operations were begun. However, the fire on the ground under the aircraft became so large that an explosion was feared. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, Petty Officer Coley volunteered to board the aircraft to transfer fuel from the burning tanks and taxi the aircraft out of the burning fuel. He coaxed a crew member to accompany him and they successfully taxied the aircraft out of the ground fire enabling fire fighters to extinguish the fire aboard the aircraft. Petty Officer Coley’s cool and decisive actions were directly responsible for preventing the possible loss of life and injuries to ground personnel and also the loss of the DC-8. By his initiative and courage, Petty Officer Coley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.