The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Third Class John Scott Vandeleur, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct while serving aboard the U.S.S. ARTHUR MIDDLETON (AP-55), as coxswain of a Power Boat during rescue operations when the U.S.S. WORDEN (DD-352) was stranded on 12 January 1943, in the Aleutian Islands. Refusing the opportunity for safety in another boat during a hazardous rescue mission, Seaman Third Class Vandeleur steadfastly remained aboard his own rapidly sinking boat to assist a helpless survivor. At great risk of his life, he supported the man until the latter was subsequently rescued saving the life of a shipmate who other wise might have perished.