The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Mallie W. Bransom, United States Navy, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty while a member of the rescue party attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. PURDY (DD-734) at sea in the Western Atlantic during Hurricane HOW on 3 October 1951. When his ship, the U.S.S. PURDY in her efforts to rescue Seaman James A. Reagan, USN, who had been washed overboard from the U.S.S. BRISTOL (DD-857) was unable to place herself close alongside the helpless man in the water, Chief Bransom, with complete disregard for his own safety, dived into the sea and swam to his rescue. Upon reaching him, he held him fast, while line tenders on board the PURDY pulled him back to the ship. The hurricane conditions existing, with rain and wind of force in excess of 55 knots, had created mountainous seas which caught the ship in their trough causing her to roll heavily, with great seas of solid water breaking over her decks. In the face of great danger under conditions made extremely hazardous by the ship’s heavy rolling, which alternately exposed the propeller and placed the main deck under water, the rescue party succeeded in bringing Chief Bransom and Seaman Regan to the side of the ship on a rising wave. This wave and ensuing waves threw the two men against the side of the ship with such violence that both sustained multiple injuries. By his selfless act Chief Ransom saved Seaman Regan’s life, and demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership and military character. His heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.