The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Charles R. Eldred, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Marine Helicopter Training Squadron THREE-HUNDRED THREE, Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-NINE (MAG-39), THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, on 5 July 1987. At approximately 0300, while traveling as a passenger in Lance Corporal Axelsson’s car, Lance Corporal Eldred observed a burning car with the occupants trapped inside. Rushing to their aid, with a portable fire extinguisher, he tried to put out the flames. When the contents of the extinguisher had been emptied on the fire and the car continued to burn, Lance Corporal Eldred threw dirt on the fire to keep the flames from spreading. His selfless act slowed the spread of the flames to the automobile’s gas tank long enough for the occupants to be rescued, unharmed. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Lance Corporal Eldred was instrumental in the saving of lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.