The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Frank H. Applegate (NSN: 0-8262802), United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing a downed pilot of a carrier-based airplane which had landed in the water near a destroyer off the coast of Japan on 16 February 1945. In cold weather, with complete disregard for his own safety, he jumped into rough seas and carried a line over two hundred yards from the ship to the pilot who was dazed in the landing and exhausted from swimming. By his courage and skill, the pilot was brought safely aboard the ship. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.