The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Storekeeper Third Class] Alfred M. Depuy, United States Navy, for heroic conduct after the stranding of the U.S.S. POLLUX on 18 February 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Depuy swam ashore, made his way up an icy rock ledge and received a heavy line from the ship. He later secured a line while working barefooted, with his clothing frozen, making possible the rescue of the majority of the officers and crew by boatswain’s chair.