The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Harry L. Thomas, United States Marine Corps, for heroism on 17 January 1977 while serving aboard U.S.S. GUAM (LPH-9). When a liberty boat returning personnel to U.S.S. GUAM, after an evening of liberty in Barcelona, Spain, was struck by a merchant freighter, Lance Corporal Thomas, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly rescued numerous Marines and sailors from the cold, dark waters of the Barcelona port area. Having secured a safe position atop the overturned liberty boat, he used his belt to pull numerous persons aboard the boat and aided his superior in organizing survivors, assuring them of their safety and welfare. Several times he left the safety of the overturned craft to aid other shipmates. Lance Corporal Thomas’ prompt and courageous actions in the waters around the overturned boat and in the face of great personal risk were instrumental in the saving of many lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon him and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.