The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Frank W. Bampton (NSN: 0-81437), United States Navy, for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy, in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. WASMUTH (DMS-15), when his ship broke in half and was lost in a storm near the Aleutian Islands on 27 December 1942. When the stern of his vessel broke off and sank, and the after engine room flooded, Lieutenant Bampton led the damage control party into the rapidly filling forward engine rooms. Despite the imminent danger of the bulkhead collapsing due to the violent rush of water, Lieutenant Bampton so heroically worked with and led the damage control party that through his skillful direction, coolness and perseverance the ship was maintained afloat for nearly four hours, at the end of which time a vessel managed to maneuver alongside and rescue the whole crew without loss or injury. Lieutenant Bampton’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.