The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Elton Allen Ashley (NSN: 2081083), United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing a seriously wounded shipmate while serving on board the U.S.S. FORREST (DD-461), at Okinawa Gunto on 27 May 1945. When his ship was hit by an enemy suicide aircraft he entered a freely-flooding, smoke -filled compartment, voluntarily, and at great risk to his personal safety, to bring to safety a man who was very seriously wounded and helpless to save himself. This unselfish and heroic act, performed under trying conditions, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.