The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Radioman Second Class Thomas Richard Gorman, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as Brow Watch in U.S.S. FALCON (MHC-59) on 22 February 1998. Petty Officer Gorman rescued the President of the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce after she fell into a one to two-foot gap between the ship and a barge. With complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the 56-degree water in his dress blue uniform and despite suffering from the effects of the cold water, ignored the risk of drowning or being crushed in his efforts to keep the victim above water without the aid of flotation devices. Wedging himself between the ship and the barge, he kept her head above water by supporting her with his body which gave the rescue team the ability to create a human chain to lift her to safety. He placed her life ahead of his own while contending with 56-degree water temperature, 42-degree air temperature, and a seven-knot current. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Gorman was responsible for saving a life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.