The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate John W. Traffley, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while attached to the U.S.S. LANSDALE following an attack by enemy aircraft off the coast of Algeria on the night of 20 April 1944. After the U.S.S. LANSDALE had been torpedoed and sunk by enemy torpedo planes, Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Treaffley went to the assistance of a man suffering from a back injury and in danger of drowning and helped him to a floater net. After being rescued by a vessel he rendered valuable aid in caring for many survivors even though he himself was in a weakened condition.