The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hospital Corpsman Second Class Robert Evermont Hays, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, while serving as a Corpsman with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 April 1969, Petty Officer Hays was on duty in the Battalion Aid Station of the Vandegrift Combat Base when a helicopter crashed in the logistic support area. Within minutes, the aircraft burst into flames which ignited ammunition stored nearby and caused large secondary explosions. Arriving in the area aboard an ambulance, he immediately moved throughout the hazardous area searching for casualties. After treating and evacuating a seriously injured Marine, he returned and, with complete disregard for his own safety, assisted in removing three wounded crewmen from the wreckage of the burning aircraft. Although thrown to the ground when a tremendous explosion occurred near the helicopter, he quickly recovered and continued his lifesaving efforts until all the wounded had been evacuated to the medical facility. Petty Officer Hays’ courageous and prompt actions were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.