The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class John W. Penhall, United States Navy, for heroism while serving aboard U.S.S. SPROSTON (DD-577) at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the afternoon of 29 September 1964. The motor of an MK 108 rocket accidentally ignited and engulfed the rocket magazine of SPROSTON in smoke and flames. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Penhall, though seriously burned on the upper part of his body, immediately went to the assistance of his unconscious companion, revived him and helped him up a ladder to safety before leaving the magazine himself. His prompt action saved the life of a shipmate at the risk of his own.