The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Monroe Leovy, Jr. (NSN: 0-97967), United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct as Commander of the Armed Guard aboard the S.S. EXAMELIA when that vessel was sunk 9 October 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Leovy swam to a capsized life boat, assisted in righting it and rescuing 14 survivors. The courageous group were eventually picked up and taken to a South African port. Again under submarine attack after embarking on the S.S. Zaandam for repatriation, he remained steadfast to the last on the after gun station of the rapidly sinking ship. Succeeding in getting away as the ship went down he gave his life belt to another who was unable to swim and gallantly refused to get aboard a crowded and badly damaged life boat.