The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Arthur E. Backer, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for extremely heroic and courageous conduct in effecting the rescue of survivors from the torpedoed S.S. DORCHESTER on 3 February 1943. When benumbed survivors of the S.S. DORCHESTER were unable, because of heavy seas and freezing wind, to make any effort to climb on board the rescuing ship, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Backer was the first to volunteer for the dangerous task of going over the side and working in the rough, freezing water in order to assist the exhausted and helpless survivors in reaching the safety of the COMANCHE. In spite of the strong sub-freezing wind and the near freezing, rough sea, he disregarded all discomforts and danger and worked in and out of the water aiding survivors until he was physically exhausted and required assistance to return on board his ship. Largely inspired by Boatswain’s Mate First Class Backer’s courage and disregard of his own safety, a number of men followed his leadership and volunteered for the performance of similar duty. As a result of the combined efforts of the rescuers under Lieutenant Anderson’s leadership, a total of ninety-three survivors were saved. The bravery, endurance, leadership, and complete disregard for his own safety displayed by Boatswain’s Mate First Class Backer in assisting in the rescue of almost one hundred helpless survivors were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.