The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Downing McK. Barto (NSN: 6685081), United States Navy, for heroism in action against the enemy while attached to a Marine Artillery Battalion on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on the night of 20 to 21 June 1944. When an ammunition dump exploded and caught fire in an adjacent battalion area, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Barto immediately proceeded to the endangered area and rendered first aid to the wounded. During this time he was in constant danger from shell fragments which swept the area. His courageous devotion to duty and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.