The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Alexander H. Thrift, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in saving the life of shipmates during the battle off Savo Island in November 1942. Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Thrift remained in the engine room while the vessel was sinking and assisted injured shipmate to escape. When the ship was abandoned, he towed a wounded man clear of the ship and succeeded in keeping him afloat the remainder of the night until both were rescued.