The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Torpedoman’s Mate Second Class Donald R. Bebout (NSN: 6532131), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in rescuing personnel form a mortally damaged United States Destroyer while engaged in operations in the Ryukyu Islands. On the night of 16 June 1945, while acting as a member of a boat’s crew engaged in rescue operations under conditions of great personal danger from explosions and burning oil, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he twice dove into the sea to assist stunned men to the safety of the boat. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great personal danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.