The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Bernard Eugene Arthur (NSN: 6279485), United States Navy, for heroism in attempting to save the life of a shipmate on 7 July 1944. Under conditions of great danger from raging seas, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he voluntarily and courageously dove overboard from this ship and succeeded in swimming, through rough seas, to reach his shipmate, who was then lying face down in the water, at some distance from the ship. He continued to hold his shipmate’s face above the seas until rescued. His conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.