The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ship’s Cook First Class Lewis Thomas Bane (NSN: 5604639), United States Navy, for heroism on U.S.S. THATCHER (DD-514), on 26 May 1944, when an exploding shell set on fire the ready service ammunition at a heavy machine gun station. Under conditions of great personal danger for m the burning and exploding ammunition and with complete disregard for his own safety, he proceeded voluntarily, courageously, and with dispatch to assist in the removal of a wounded man from the scene to a place of safety. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.