The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Watertender Charles B. Chapman, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in charge of a fireroom of a destroyer when it was rammed during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Chief Watertender Chapman remained in the fireroom until all boilers were secured, thereby preventing an explosion and probable loss of life. He returned to the compartment later and rendered valuable assistance in effecting repairs which brought the flooding of the fireroom under control.