The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class James J. Antoon, United States Navy, for heroism in fighting a fire on board the U.S.S. ACHILLES (ARL-41), in San Pedro Bay, Philippine Islands, on 12 November 1944. Despite exploding 20-mm. ammunition on the forward deckhouse following the crash dive of an enemy aircraft, Seaman First Class Antoon, with complete disregard for his own safety, carried a fire hose to the top of the deckhouse, cooled the magazines there, and prevented further casualties and spread of the fire. His heroic conduct was in accord with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.