The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Apprentice Seaman Andrew Ambrose Balas (NSN: 6106501), United States Navy, for extremely heroic conduct as a member of the United States Navy Armed Guard serving aboard the S.S. STANVAC PALEMBANG during the attack on the vessel by an enemy German submarine on the night of 9 July 1942. In spite of a severe head wound caused by the terrific explosion of the hostile torpedo, he, concerned for the safety of the merchant seamen who had jumped over the side and were calling for help, unhesitatingly risked his life to go below deck and assist in releasing a life raft. Disregarding the acute pain from his injury, he persisted in his gallant efforts in the face of continued shelling by the surfaced enemy vessel until a second torpedo struck the ship. His outstanding courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the united states naval service.