The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William F. Beebe (NSN: 0-223869), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. At nine o’clock on the night of 6 May 1944, while the U.S.S. GUNNEL (SS-253) was anchored in an open roadstead at Navy Base No. 81, Edwin M. Leidholdt (USN) fell overboard and was rapidly carried away from the side of the ship, by the swift current. He soon became exhausted and required assistance. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Beebe, with complete disregard for his own safety, plunged into the shark infested water and swam at least two hundred yards to the aid of Leidholdt who at this time was completely helpless. He maintained Leidholdt afloat until a boat arrived and rescued both men.