The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class George Walter Benz (NSN: 7060314), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism on 24 October 1944, after his ship had been hit by a bomb from an enemy aircraft near the Philippine Islands, and he was forced to enter the water. Seeing three shipmates in need of assistance, he swam to them and towed all three to safety. His great skill and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.