The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class Edward B. Walson, United States Navy, for heroism on 17 December 1965 while serving on board U.S.S. BREAM (AGSS-243). When a shipmate was washed overboard while the vessel was laboring under gale-force weather conditions, Petty Officer Walson volunteered to swim to his rescue. Plunging into the sea, he struggled against the 12- to 15 foot waves to reach the side of his shipmate, took him in tow, and succeeded in bringing him to the side of the ship where both men were lifted to safety. Through his prompt and courageous actions in saving a life at the risk of his own, Petty Officer Walson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.