The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Commander David M. Hassett, United States Navy, for heroism while serving at the United States Defense AttachŽ Office, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 20 May 1999. While walking on a local beach at dusk, Commander Hassett observed a group of three children playing outside the protected waters of a sand bar in open water. As he approached the group, he noticed that they were having trouble managing the rough, wavy waters while trying to make their way back to the safety of a sand bar. Realizing that if he did not act quickly the three young children would undoubtedly be swept out to sea by the tide, which was going out at the time, and without thought to his own personal safety, he quickly dove into the water and began swimming toward the children. Commander Hassett passed the first child, a young girl, as she safely made her way to the sand bar. He then proceeded on to the second child, a boy nine years of age, who by now was lying face down in the water, unconscious, and completely limp. Nearing exhaustion himself, Commander Hassett towed the young girl, who weighted approximately 85 pounds, to shallow water, picked her up, and ran with her until he reached the beach. Once there, he quickly assessed the situation and determined that the young girl required immediate medical attention. He coordinated transportation to a nearby hospital, where the young girl received immediate care and completely recovered. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Commander Hassett prevented the likely drowning of the two young children, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.