The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant [then Corporal] Charles Baldridge (MCSN: 596628), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in saving a man from possible death by fire in Korea on 2 December 1952. While serving with the FIRST Marine Division fire fighting team, Sergeant Baldridge displayed outstanding courage and devotion to his fellow man. Although he had suffered an injury on one hand while fighting a gasoline fire earlier in the day, he volunteered to accompany the team to fight another gasoline fire that night. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that an immersion type heater was aflame and ready to explode. In spite of the impending danger, he went forward in an attempt to extinguish the blaze. At that moment, the heater exploded, showering the men with flaming gasoline. Seeing that one of his comrades’ hair and clothing were burning he threw him to the ground and beat out the fire with his bare hands. When the man’s burning clothing were extinguished, he set about to see to the safety of the officer and men of the team, refusing medical attention for his own injuries until he was assured that all of the men were treated. As a result of his courageous action and complete disregard for his personal comfort and safety, he was severely burned on his hands, face and neck and had to be evacuated to a hospital ship. Sergeant Baldridge’s heroic conduct, in the face of great danger to himself, was exceptional and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.