The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Gerard R. Hanvey, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on the afternoon of 6 January 1963 while serving on board U.S.S. HERMITAGE (LSD-34) as pier sentry at East Quay Wall, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. When a man leaped over the side of the pier and plunged into the water eight feet below, Seaman Hanvey, who witnessed the incident, immediately dropped his rifle and helmet, rushed to the scene, and jumped into the icy water in an attempt to effect a rescue. Although pulled beneath the surface of the water several times by the struggling victim, Seaman Hanvey succeeded in keeping him afloat until help arrived.