The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Staff Sergeant Richard A. Peloquin (MCSN: 1126270), United States Marine Corps, for heroic conduct while serving as Acting Platoon Leader in Company F, 2d Battalion, Ninth Marines (Reinforced), THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during the rescue of nine men from drowning in waters off Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 5 September 1956. When members of his unit were carried out to sea by a sudden and treacherous undertow while bathing, Staff Sergeant Peloquin quickly organized and led his men in rescue operations. Swimming through the dangerous surf to aid the men who were adrift, he contributed materially to the saving of nine lives. His outstanding courage and leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.