The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Second Class Byron Closon Barnes (NSN: 6429082), United States Navy, for heroism on 24 October 1944 near the Philippine Islands. After his ship had been hit by a bomb from an enemy aircraft, and he had been forced into the water, he went to the aid of a shipmate who had no life jacket and was on the point of drowning. Despite the added risk to himself, he supported his shipmate safely to a ship. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.