The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Paul Francis Audette (NSN: 2090921), United States Navy, for heroism on the night of 29 August 1944, when Able Seaman Peter Lee, Royal Navy, backed a Royal Navy truck into the Hamoaze River, Plymouth, Devon, England. Seaman First Class Audette, witnessing the accident, acted without hesitation when he observed the truck was entirely under water and it was apparent the driver could not swim, dove into the river to rescue Able Seaman Peter Lee and brought his ashore safely after he had gone down several times. The heroism displayed by Seaman First Class Audette was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.