The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman Third Class Herbert C. Barker (NSN: 6009664), United States Navy, for heroism while serving as a member of the crew of the U.S. YMS-381 in the English Channel on 24 December 1944. During the evening the ship arrived at the scene of the rescue operations of the British operated troop transport “Leopoldville” which was in a sinking condition. Several survivors were observed floating in the water. Upon nearing the bodies it was observed that they did not have strength enough to help themselves. Owing to the high free board of the rescue ship any recovery of the survivors necessitated members of the crew going over the side to retrieve them. Yeoman Third Class Barker voluntarily leaped into the rough, icy waters of the channel and aided in the recovery of four men. The courage, and the voluntary and decisive action displayed on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.