The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John E. Moneghan, United States Navy, for heroism while serving with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron EIGHT on 13 July 1976. While on a walk at dusk on the cliffs overlooking Shell Beach, La Jolla, California, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Moneghan noticed a young man and woman who were being swept out to sea by a dangerous rip tide. Upon hearing the cries for help from the two victims, he descended to the beach and, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly plunged into the cold and turbulent rip current. Reaching the couple, he assisted and calmed both swimmers and then helped the woman to return to shore while the man followed. Later, an ambulance arrived and transported the two victims to a hospital. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Moneghan’s courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risks undoubtedly saved the man and woman from drowning; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.