The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Manuel J. Vega, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Sniper Team Leader, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific on 20 March 1989. During Exercise TEAM SPIRIT 89, Corporal Vega was in the vicinity of Pohang, Republic of Korea, when a CH-53D Helicopter with Members of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines crashed during an aerial assault. Observing the explosion, he raced to the crash site. Despite the danger of a secondary explosion, intense flames and heat, and pyrotechnic and blank ammunition cook-offs, Corporal Vega rushed to the aid of his fellow Marines. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, he unhesitatingly entered the blazing aircraft and rescued a severely wounded Marine. Due to intense heat, flames, and smoke, he had to exit the aircraft. Upon re-entering, he used his belt to secure and pull a second victim out of the wreckage. His exemplary initiative prevented further injury and loss of life. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Corporal Vega undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow Marines; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.