The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Steward’s Mate Second Class Tom Curtis Evans (NSN: 9398914), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism, presence of mind and courageous action while attached to the U.S.S. LST 496 during the assault on the coast of France, 11 June 1944. The U.S.S. LST 496 on her second trip to the beach struck a mine. The ensuing blast wrecked the wardroom, injuring and trapping Ensign Rex H. Scott under the debris, where he was unable to extricate himself, Steward’s Mate Second Class Evans, with no regard for his personal safety and with a broken leg and knowing that the ship might sink at any moment, cleared the debris and pulled Ensign Scott to the main deck where he was quickly taken onto a rescue vessel. The heroism and courageous devotion to duty displayed by Steward’s Mate Second Class Evans were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.