The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Carpenter Clarence M. Bailey, United States Navy, for courageous and heroic performance of duty in effecting the release of a member of the crew of the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-21), trapped by the explosion of enemy torpedoes on 29 May 1944. When the torpedoes struck the U.S.S. BLOCK ISLAND, seriously damaging the forward port side of the ship, the gun captain of the forward 20-mm. gun was pinned in the wreckage between the catwalk and the ship’s side. Chief Carpenter Bailey willingly and unhesitatingly went to the aid of this man and took charge of the rescue work. When the efforts to cut him free by use of an acetylene torch failed, it became necessary to amputate his leg at the knee to free him. Chief Carpenter Bailey gave valuable aid to the Medical Officer, assisting him in the operation. During the entire time, Chief Carpenter Bailey worked in the wreckage with complete disregard for his own safety, supported only by a life line, and faced with the ever present danger of another torpedo hit. He continued at his task until the man was released. Chief Carpenter Bailey’s courageous and unselfish performance of duty was an inspiration to the entire ship’s company and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.