The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman First Class Ronald M. Alexander, United States Navy, for heroism while serving in a United States Minesweeper when that vessel was sunk during operations off the coast of France on 2 July 1944. Yeoman First Class Alexander helped launch a rubber life raft and paddled it through debris strewn water where a puncture would have sunk the raft, pulled five badly wounded shipmates, who were dazed and could not swim because of their injuries, from the water and thus saved them from drowning. He later directed a British motor launch and another craft in such a manner as to effect a speedy rescue. The courage and decisive action displayed by Yeoman First Class Alexander on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.