The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Steven Vincent Winiecki, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as second crewman on a UH-1N Search and Rescue Helicopter at Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California on 30 August 1979. During a search and rescue mission in Sequoia National Park, Petty Officer Winiecki was instrumental in effecting the daring rescue of two climbers who were stranded at the 10,500 foot level of Alta Peak. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the danger involved, Petty Officer Winiecki rappelled 50 feet down from the helicopter to a narrow ledge to reach the stranded youths. Despite the fact that two other climbers had just fallen to their deaths from the same ledge, he fearlessly disconnected himself from his rappel safety line and wedged himself into a crack on the sheer rock fact so that he could manipulate the first victim into a rescue harness for hoisting. Petty Officer Winiecki further endangered his life by clinging to the rock face with the remaining climber while the first young man was flown to safety. Shortly thereafter, both Petty Officer Winiecki and the second victim were hosted to safety. By his courageous and unselfish act in the face of extreme personal danger, Petty Officer Winiecki reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.