The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Private First Class James Alexander Davis, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while assigned to training at the Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. On 2 September 1974 while on liberty at Oak Harbor Municipal Beach, Private First Class Davis heard cries for help from a woman standing on the pier. Responding immediately, he and three Marine companions saw two youths in the water, one of whom had gone under and was drowning. Pausing momentarily to evaluate the situation, he quickly realized that a fellow Marine, who was approaching one victim, might not be able to complete the rescue alone. Although fully clothed, Private First Class Davis jumped into the cold water and dove repeatedly to find the boy, who by this time had disappeared beneath the choppy water. Bringing the struggling, terror-stricken youth to the surface, he then subdued the victim and helped tow him to the pier where they were all assisted out of the water. By his prompt and courageous actions in the face of great personal risk, Private First Class Davis undoubtedly saved the youth from drowning, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.