The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Ensign Robert D. Stannus, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in sacrificing his own life in an attempt to save the life of another, while serving as Officer of the Deck on board the U.S.S. BEXAR (APA-237) on 9 August 1959. When a shipmate was swept overboard from the BEXAR into the heavy seas by a huge wave, Ensign Stannus voluntarily entered the hazardous waters in a daring attempt to effect a rescue. After a safety line had been passed to the victim, Ensign Stannus swam toward the ship, but was dragged beneath the surface of the water by a heavy roll of the vessel and was drowned.