TFH 3/27: Two Sailors Ashore, Two Heroes

The Navy and Marine Corps Medal was established in 1942 to recognize non-combat valor by Sailors and Marines. The criteria for award is "Distinguishing oneself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life."

On March 27, 1981 two sailors who served aboard the USS Implicit (MSO-455) were ashore at the ship's home port of Tacoma, WA when they came upon a head-on automobile collision. The vehicles involved had caught fire. Several victims were trapped in the burning wreckage. The two sailors, Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Greg A. Ball and Fireman Apprentice Billy Ray Beddingfield, immediately and without regard for their own safety extricated the victims from the inferno and rendered aid to the injured until emergency services arrived on the scene.


Navy and Marine Corps Medal Citation for HT3 Greg A. Ball

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Greg A. Ball, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. IMPLICIT (MSO-455) at Tacoma, Washington, on 27 march 1981. Upon arrival at the scene of a fiery, head-on automobile collision, Petty Officer Ball immediately ran to the engulfed vehicles to be of assistance to the passengers. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal danger involved, Petty Officer Ball and a fellow sailor unhesitatingly began extricating a total of eight young girls from the burning wreckage. One of the girls, a driver, was unconscious and trapped between the seat and steering wheel. Despite the imminent danger of a dual explosion, Petty Officer Ball and the other rescuer broke the back of the seat and pulled her through the seat belt which could not be unfastened. Carrying her to a place of safety, Petty Officer Ball then administered first aid to her and the other victims until medical assistance arrived. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Ball undoubtedly saved the lives of eight young girls; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Navy and Marine Corps Medal Citation for FA Billy Ray Beddingfield

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman Apprentice Billy Ray Beddingfield, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. IMPLICIT (MSO-455) at Tacoma, Washington on 27 March 1981. Upon arrival at the scene of a fiery, head-on automobile collision, Fireman Apprentice Beddingfield immediately ran to the engulfed vehicles to be of assistance to the passengers. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal danger involved, Fireman Apprentice Beddingfield and a fellow sailor unhesitatingly began extricating a total of eight young girls from the burning wreckage. One of the girls, a driver, was unconscious and trapped between the seat and steering wheel. Despite the imminent danger of a dual explosion, Fireman Apprentice Beddingfield and the other rescuer broke the back of the seat and pulled her through the seat belt which could not be unfastened. Carrying her to a place of safety, Fireman Apprentice Beddingfield then administered first aid to her and the other victims until medical assistance arrived. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Fireman Apprentice Beddingfield undoubtedly saved the lives of eight young girls; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Whether in time of war or at peace, on duty or off, the courage and devotion to their fellow citizens of our men and women in uniform can not be underestimated. Thanks to Ball and Beddingfield, a car accident didn't claim eight lives.