The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class John D. Baldwin, Jr. (CGSN: 666509), United States Coast Guard, for heroism when his ship ran aground during a violent typhoon off Okinawa on 9 October 1945. At great risk to himself, he voluntarily manned the hauling line of the breeches buoy while exposed to heavy seas that continually hurled him about the deck. His great example of fortitude and devotion to duty greatly contributed to the rescue of all hands and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.