The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Peter Kallas, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct during a raging fire at Pemberton Supply pier on 25 July 1943. Undeterred by the warning of extreme danger, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Kallas hurried along the burning pier and with two companions braved a virtual wall of flame and dense smoke to go aboard a Coast Guard speedboat moored to the wharf. Standing by while the Coast Guardsmen dived over the side in an attempt to save a Picket Boat which was already ablaze, he sustained serious burns from the terrific heat but succeeded in pulling the two exhausted men aboard and getting them safely to shore. His gallant action in saving his two comrades at great risk to his own life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.