The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Radioman Second Class Harold L. Amatheis, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on 20 July 1943, when three boats were severely bombed and strafed by low-flying aircraft. In this attack the PT-166 was set afire and the PT-164 was considerably damaged. Radioman Second Class Amatheis sustained a minor shrapnel injury to his right arm, but before his wound had been treated he jumped in the water to save the life of a crew man from the PT-166, who was unconscious and had a .50 caliber bullet in his back. He was required to swim some distance to the point near the burning, exploding PT-166, without a life jacket; and, the man’s life clearly would have been lost had it not been for Radioman Second Class Amatheis’ outstanding heroism. His judgment, courage and utter disregard of personal safety in the face of burning high octane gasoline were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, and far beyond the call of duty.