The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Coxswain James A. Benfield, United States Navy, for heroic conduct at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. At approximately 0845 the U.S.S. CAPTOR was moored alongside the private dock of the Forty Fathom Fish Pier in East Boston, Massachusetts, with tide running exceptionally cold. CM1c William E. O’Brien, returning on board ship, accidentally fell between the ship and the dock, striking his head against the side to the ship, which rendered him unconscious. Coxswain Benfield unhesitatingly jumped overboard fully clothed between the ship and the dock, holding O’Brien’s head above water and refusing assistance until such time as a line could be placed around O’Brien and he was lifted on board, displaying complete disregard of his position between the ship and the dock to keep O’Brien afloat.