The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Private First Class Gerald H. Britton (MCSN: 1162144), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing a boy and woman from drowning in the White Oak River at Swansboro, North Carolina, on 26 May 1951. Private First Class Britton was standing beside the bridge leading into the town of Swansboro, when he noticed a civilian calling for help to aid a woman who was struggling in her attempt to rescue a boy from drowning. Under conditions of great danger to himself, Private First Class Britton voluntarily dived into the water to go to the woman’s and boy’s assistance. Making his way to the couple, he found the woman unconscious. He held her above water, told the boy to cling to his back, and in this manner he managed to tow the couple back to the shore. His heroic conduct in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.