The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Thomas Carl Offill, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE, Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, THIRD Marine Aircraft Wing at Camp Pendleton, California, on 19 June 1973. While flying as a crewman aboard an AH-1G Cobra Helicopter, Corporal Offill observed an amphibious tractor plunge over an embankment, overturn, and burst into flames. Corporal Offill rushed to the accident scene and determined the nature and extent of injuries in order to provide the pilot with information to summon required assistance. Although fully aware of the dangers involved Corporal Offill returned with the aircraft fire extinguisher to the burning vehicle. Immediately realizing that a Marine was trapped inside, Corporal Offill attempted to extinguish the enveloping fire. Ignoring the heavy smoke and flames, Corporal Offill entered the vehicle to fend the fire off the rescuer. Affected by the smoke and flames he was driven from the tractor, but once again he re-entered the disabled vehicle. Although the smoke and heat had increased, he reached the man, finding his position unchangeable. Quickly exhausting alternatives, the rescue team attempted to turn the amphibious tractor over in order to extract the Marine from the top hatch. Again, Corporal Offill defied the flames consuming the vehicle and secured ropes on top of it in order that it could be moved. Not only did Corporal Offill actively assist in controlling the fire, but also guided the MEDEVAC helicopter, ambulance, and fire trucks to the scene. Corporal Offill, fully understanding the danger caused by the burning amphibious tractor, did on three occasions enter into the flames for the attempted rescue. Corporal Offill’s courage, heroic initiative, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.