The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Maurice Paul Alvarez, United States Navy, for heroism during an explosion aboard a tank landing ship in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 21 May 1944. When a ship that was moored alongside exploded, showering flaming gasoline and oil on the deck of his ship, despite the danger involved, he chose to stay aboard and fight the fires. Still later, when none of the crew was available, he managed the hand steering wheel to extricate his vessel from the vicinity of danger. His cool presence of mind and prompt action in a critical situation were responsible not only for saving the lives of a number of men, but also in saving his ship from complete destruction. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.