The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Louis Emil Biechlin (NSN: 81497), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 1 May 1929 the attention of a whale boat crew from the U.S.S. TENNESSEE, who were exercising on Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro, California, was attracted by the shouts of a girl who ran to the water and started to swim towards the raft about sixty yards away. It was seen that a boy about seven years old had fallen overboard from the raft and was struggling in the water. Seaman First Class Biechlin swam to the raft which was slowly being carried away from shore by the wind and tide, rescued the now unconscious boy and administered first aid treatment until beach guards carried him to the boat house where he was completely resuscitated. The Department takes pleasure in commending him for his timely and courageous action on this occasion which undoubtedly saved the boy’s life. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.