The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Kenneth J. Glueck, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving at Marine Helicopter Squadron ONE, Executive Flight Detachment, Naval District Washington, Anacostia, Washington, D.C. At approximately 0750 on 23 February 1984, Captain Glueck became aware of cries for help from the vicinity of the fuel truck which services Squadron aircraft at the facility. Running toward the truck, he learned from Marines congregating around it that a Staff Sergeant was trapped inside the tank and apparently unconscious. Although acutely aware of the danger of explosion or suffocation, Captain Glueck descended into the tank to retrieve the stricken Marine. Inching his way forward in the dark, partially full tank, he located the unconscious and convulsing Staff Sergeant in the most forward compartment. Dragging and pushing the much larger Marine back through the tiny passages of the tank, Captain Glueck realized that he himself could lose consciousness from the toxic fumes and lack of oxygen. Nevertheless, he continued to think clearly and deliberately and, through only the greatest of effort, finally moved the Staff Sergeant far enough aft that assisting Marines were able to pull them both to safety. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Glueck undoubtedly saved the Staff Sergeant from permanent disability or death; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.




