The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Gunner’s Mate Claude Conger, United States Navy, for heroic conduct and distinguished service at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, in connection with diving operations pointing to the salvage of the U.S.S. 0-9, and possible rescue of entombed personnel on 22 June 1941. In descending to a depth of 440 feet, Chief Gunner’s Mate Conger followed another diver in reaching the greatest depth ever attained prior to this occasion by a diver in a conventional diving suit. By his courage and the accuracy of his observations noted during the dive, much valuable information was secured for safe and successful future operations in the work of salvaging sunken vessels.