The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Robert H. Britt, Jr. (MCSN: 1890361), United States Army, for heroism while serving with the Correctional Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler on Okinawa. On the afternoon of 27 May 1971, while attending a picnic at Ishikawa Beach, Sergeant Britt was informed that a man apparently was in trouble in the nearby ocean. With complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the water and swam with all possible speed to the side of the drowning victim who several times had disappeared beneath the surface. Upon attaining his objective, he observed that the Marine was unconscious and, fearing for his life, Sergeant Britt fought both the adversity of his inert burden and the strong tidal current to return the man to the shore. Not content with rescuing his companion, he then worked tirelessly as he applied artificial respiration to maintain the victim’s slim hold on life until an ambulance arrived at the scene. Sergeant Britt’s courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to his fellowman at great personal risk saved the life of a fellow Marine and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.