The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Harry R. Bennett (NSN: 6061946), United States Naval Reserve, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in combat. Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Bennett was a member of the crew of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT (PT-168) which was subjected to severe bombing and strafing by aircraft on 20 July 1943. After the attack, and while the rescue of three fliers was being undertaken he jumped into the water in complete disregard of personal safety and swam and towed the injured to the boat. It was well known that the islands only several miles away were held by the Japanese and that shore batteries were located there. His conduct is regarded as especially meritorious and far beyond the call of duty.