The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Coxswain Robert Trodick, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life on the Pacific Theater of Operations, on 11 February 1945. Coxswain Trodick voluntarily dove from his destroyer into the sea and, regardless of his personal safety, swimming the heavy breaking waves, to the rescue of a downed aviator observed to be drowning. He succeeded in keeping the pilot afloat until a rescue boat arrived and by his courageous action saved the aviator’s life. His utter disregard for his own safety was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.