The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman Randy J. Duke, United States Navy, for heroism while serving in U.S.S. BARBOUR COUNTY (LST-1195) on 18 May 1986. Fireman Duke, responding to a call for a corpsman to report to troop berthing, discovered two civilian shipyard workers who were overcome by a hydrogen sulfide gas leak and were drowning in a flooded compartment. With complete disregard for his own safety, he assisted in their rescue and rendered immediate first aid that was directly responsible for the saving of their lives. By his prompt and courageous actions in the face of grave personal danger from toxic gas, Fireman Duke saved their lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.