The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Benjamin F. Allen (NSN: 244309), United States Navy, for heroism in the line of his profession as Chief Machinist’s Mate of a United States Submarine on War Patrol in proximity to enemy forces. On 20 September 1942, he volunteered to clear the wreckage of the loop antenna and radio mast which had become adrift in heavy seas and threatened to foul the screws and stern planes. He accomplished this hazardous task in complete darkness in forty-five minutes, during which time he was in danger of being washed overboard by seas which at times completely covered him. His act enabled the ship to complete its mission and aided materially in evading strong anti-submarine forces subsequently encountered. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.