The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Second Class Donald Dean Basnett, United States Navy, for heroism in assisting in the release of a prisoner from the brig when the U.S.S. HUGH L. SCOTT was sinking off the coast of Fedala, French Morocco, on 12 November 1942. Even after the order had been given to abandon ship, Seaman Second Class Basnett remained aboard to aid in the search for trapped persons. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.