The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William L. Asper, United States Navy, for heroism in assisting in the rescue and evacuation of wounded personnel while the U.S.S. TIDE (AM-125) was afire and sinking, as a result of an underwater explosion on 7 June 1944, and in assuring the security of registered publications aboard this ship. Although wounded and in great pain, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Asper made his way to the wardroom, which was directly over the point where the explosion had occurred and where heavy fumes and buckling deck plates constituted a real and serous danger, and insured that all publications were securely locked in the safe in order that there was not danger of compromise. Having done this, he then assisted in the evacuation of the wounded, working in that part of the ship which was closest to the fire and to the after magazine where danger of explosion was greatest. The initiative, judgment and action displayed by Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Asper on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.