The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Harry Fox, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in attempting to rescue an officer when a transport life boat foundered in the South Pacific, 20 July 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Fox made repeated dives, although hampered by an ill-fitting life jacket, until he detached the heavy gear with which the drowning victim was encumbered. He was attempting to put a life belt on the officer when they were separated by the heavy sea.