The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Edward A. Arnold, Jr. (NSN: 0-112304), United States Navy, for heroism on 14 April 1944, off Willapa Bay, Washington. While on a routine flight over the Bay he sighted a swamped fishing boat approximately 400 yards offshore with one survivor clinging to the rigging. He immediately landed his plane on the beach, obtained a line, plunged into the extremely heavy surf and fought his way through the breakers for 100 yards until he reached the survivor, who by this time was unconscious and floating in the water. He secured the line around the fisherman and, with the assistance of men on the beach hauling in on the line, succeeded in bringing the unfortunate victim to shore where first aid was rendered by Coast Guardsmen. His prompt actions and fearless conduct on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.