The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman John L. Beach (NSN: 4229259), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 5 July 1954, at about 0130 hours, in Sasebo Harbor, Japan, on a dark cloudy night, in a choppy bay, LCM #8 collided with a Japanese sampan, which was underway in the harbor without lights. Seaman Beach dived into the water and succeeded in rescuing three of the four Japanese thrown into the water. Seaman Beach received no assistance from anyone except for men on the LCM pulling the men aboard. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.