The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Bayse Henry Autry, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing an enlisted man from drowning after he was washed overboard from the deck of his ship on 11 February 1944. Under conditions of great personal danger from heavy seas and with complete disregard of his own safety, he voluntarily and courageously dove overboard from his ship and succeeded in swimming a considerable distance despite strong head winds and, with the aid of a companion, succeeded in locating the man, getting a line about him and sustaining the man until rescued. His heroic 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.