The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Colonel Richard E. Ouellette, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Assistant Judge Advocate General (Military Justice) in the Office of the Judge Advocate General, Washington, D.C. on 11 May 1995. While jogging in Anacostia Park, Washington, D.C., Colonel Ouellette observed an automobile leave the roadway and travel over an 8 feet high sea wall into the Anacostia River. The automobile landed upside-down in 5 – 10 feet of water. Within seconds, totally disregarding his personal safety and placing his life in peril, Colonel Ouellette jumped into the swift moving river in an attempt to rescue any occupants of the automobile. After repeatedly diving underwater into the crushed passenger compartment, he located an unconscious, pregnant woman and pulled her to safety. After passing her to others standing on the shore, Colonel Ouellette immediately dove back into the river top search for other victims. Although the woman ultimately expired, medical personnel delivered by caesarean section her infant daughter. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Colonel Ouellette is credited with this life-saving action; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.