The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class Martin B. Rodriguez, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic action when an explosion occurred 7 October 1943, aboard a cruiser on which he was serving. Fully aware of the imminence of a second detonation from escaping gasoline he entered a burning compartment filled with poisonous fumes to assist in the rescue of trapped and injured personnel. After removing two men to safety, he returned to attempt further rescue work but was overcome and asphyxiated.