The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Second Class John James Banville (NSN: 6084379), United States Navy, for heroism on 23 May 1945 in rescuing an enlisted man mentally deranged patient under observation at the U.S. Naval Dispensary, Eniwetok, who attempted to take his life by running out onto an exposed reef and plunging into the open sea. Under conditions of great personal danger due to the violence of the stricken man, the jagged and exposed reef, the turbulent condition of the sea, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety he voluntarily and courageously dove over the side of the reef into the open sea, overpowered the stricken man and succeeded in sustaining him until aided by another in bringing him ashore to safety. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.