TEDDY ROOSEVELT FIELDING, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Reconnaissance Swimmer during an amphibious raid against enemy aggressor forces on the northeast coast of Korea on the night of 3 December 1951. When his assault landing craft grounded close to an enemy-held beach and a demolition charge with its fuse activated was accidentally jettisoned alongside the boat with the remainder of the explosives during the effort to lighten the load and float the craft free, Lieutenant Fielding immediately plunged into the water in a brave attempt to free the fuse. Undeterred by the imminent danger of an explosion and the grave hazard imposed by the boat’s rotating screws, he successfully located the demolition charge beneath the water, promptly disarmed the fuse and surfaced in time to be hauled aboard the landing craft as it moved away from the danger area. By his superb courage, outstanding initiative and selfless efforts on behalf of his comrades in the face of overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Fielding was directly responsible in averting a serious explosion and probable loss of life, thereby upholding the highest traditions fo the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Fielding joined the Legion of Valor in 1985.