The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Lawrence W. Beckhaus, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in rescuing a fellow serviceman from drowning in North Atlantic waters while serving on board the U.S.S. SALAMONIE (AO-26), on 12 December 1957. A severe storm was raging in the North Atlantic Ocean when, at a few minutes after noon on this date, a man fell overboard from one of the other ships in the company. When SALAMONIE was maneuvered close to the man, it being patently impossible to lower a life boat, Gunner’s Mate Second Class Beckhaus voluntarily put on a harness with a line and, with the assent of his Commanding Officer, dived over the side into the violently heaving sea, swam to the exhausted man and brought him back alongside the ship where his shipmates could heave both on board. It was noted that Gunner’s Mate Second Class Beckhaus did not release his grip on him until both were safe on deck. Gunner’s Mate Second Class Beckhaus’ courageous action save the life of a member of the Naval Service who might otherwise have perished and adds another glorious page to the traditions of the United States Naval Service.