The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman First Class Everett Barton (NSN: 6667471), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in the rescue of Army personnel from drowning during the assault on the Island of Sicily in July 1943, while attached to the U.S.S. LST 379. During darkness and with a heavy swell running, the U.S.S. LST 379 was lowering an assault boat loaded with Army assault troops preparatory to landing them on the beach, the forward falls carried away, throwing the thirty-four heavily equipped Army personnel and the boat crew into the sea. Immediately, and at great peril to his own life, Fireman First Class Barton dived overboard, and skillfully using a life raft, brought many of the Army personnel who were not able to swim with their accoutrement to the cargo nets, lines and ladders. The outstanding initiative and courage displayed by Fireman First Class Barton was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.