The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Carpenter’s Mate Second Class Harry Smith O’Donnell, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in rescuing a comrade while attached to the U.S.S. GANNET (AVP-8) during the sinking of that ship in the Atlantic Area on 7 June 1942. Blown into the sea by the explosion which blasted the GANNET, Carpenter’s Mate Second Class O’Donnell began swimming toward the stricken ship, when he heard cries for help at some distance behind him. He turned back and swam in the direction of a dazed and seriously injured comrade. Securing the life jacket which had been partially blown off the body of the struggling and helpless man, Carpenter’s Mate Second Class O’Donnell supported him in the water and shouted for assistance. Meantime, the ship destroyed, Carpenter’s Mate Second Class O’Donnell sustained his shipmate for more than half an hour before they were picked up by a life raft.