The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Apprentice Thomas A. Trader, United States Navy, for heroic conduct as the stern sentry on board U.S.S. NAVASOTA (AO-106) in Singapore Harbor, Singapore, British Commonwealth of Nations, on 24 April 1960. hen a shipmate accidentally fell overboard from NAVASOTA, and was in immediate danger of drowning, Seaman Apprentice Trader, hearing cries for help, leaped into the water in an attempt to effect a rescue. Despite adverse conditions of darkness and a running current, he succeeded in reaching the victim, overcame his frenzied struggles, and swam with him to the safety of the ship where both men were helped aboard. Risking his own life to save that of another, Seaman Apprentice Trader upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.