The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class William Anthony Derosa, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct while serving in the U.S.S. POLLUX when she was stranded on a rocky shore on 18 February 1942. Seaman Second Class Derosa was a member of the crew of a motor whaleboat which proceeded through heavy seas during freezing temperatures and successfully ran a line from the vessel to shore. Despite immersion in icy water while landing, he scaled a cliff and endeavored to walk three miles over rough terrain to summon assistance.