The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class William S. Banks, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. WALLER (DDE-466), during the rescue at anchor in the roadstead at Cannes, France, on 4 July 1955. Fully realizing that swimming would be extremely difficult or even impossible in the limited space between two destroyers which were pounding and surging heavily due to high winds and rough seas, and with a clear understanding of all the hazards involved, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Banks dived into the water to rescue a man who had fallen overboard and was imminent danger of drowning. His outstanding initiative and unselfish efforts on behalf of another at the risk of his own life reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.