The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MEDAL to

                           CORPORAL NORMAN CROWE, JR

                    UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION:

               "For heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 14 February 1970, Corporal Crowe's platoon was providing security for a land clearing operation along the Vinh Dien River approximately five miles southwest of DaNang when two Marines in a sampan, who were checking civilian's identification, jumped into the turbulent river when their boat began to sink. While attempting to reach shore, they became entangled in a thick growth of weeds in the river and were unable to free themselves. Reacting instantly when he saw their plight, Corporal Crowe completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly jumped into the river, swam to the point where another Marine attempting to save the struggling drowning Marine had been forced to release the frightened man in order to grasp him in a more secure manner. As the two Marines began to pull the drowning man to shore, he began fighting them again in his struggle to remain out of the water, broke free from their grasp, and sank in the turbulent water. Although the two Marines remained in the river for approximately one hour, their attempts to locate and recover their comrade proved fruitless. Corporal Crowe's courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." 

FOR THE PRESIDENT

  JOHN J. HYLAND

  ADMILRAL, U.S. NAVY

COMMANDER IN CHIEF, U.S. PACIFIC FLEET