The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Commissary Steward Kermit Luther Bergum (NSN: 3283309), United States Navy, for heroism in assisting the removal of an officer from the U.S.S. MIANTONOMAH at the time of her sinking at Le Havre, France, on 25 September 1944. Due to an underwater explosion the ship listed heavily to starboard and sank in sixteen minutes. Chief Bergum was taken with the Captain from the sinking ship by a small fishing boat. While leaving the ship the Captain noticed the Navigator unconscious and entangled in the signal halyards. Despite a broken leg sustained in the disaster, Chief Bergum rendered material assistance to the Captain in carrying the unconscious officer to safety. The courage, devotion to duty, and outstanding loyalty displayed by Chief Bergum on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.