The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class R. I. Balman (NSN: 6285103), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement and service in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area as a member of a Surgical Unit of the SEVENTH Amphibious Force during the period April 1944 to July 1944. By his skill and untiring efforts in providing medical care shortly after wounds were received on landing beaches he succeeded in saving many lives and made possible the transportation of casualties over greater distances than ever attempted heretofore. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.