The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Mark W. Beebout (NSN: 5655568), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. CONNOLLY, in rescuing an injured enlisted man who had been blown overboard from his ship into the sea near Ie Shima on 16 April 1945. Under conditions of great personal danger from continuing enemy air attacks and with the knowledge that his ship might have to leave his position to meet the enemy, he voluntarily and courageously dived overboard from his ship into shark infested water and succeeded in swimming with the injured man and sustaining him until rescued. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.