The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Gunner’s Mate Francis E. Bernart, United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing an unconscious enlisted man from drowning in the vicinity of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. Under conditions of great personal danger from continuing Japanese suicide attacks against his ship, and with complete disregard of his own safety, he succeeded in swimming through oil covered water with his wounded shipmate until he could reach a life raft. His heroic action, performed despite his own wounds and in the face of great danger to himself were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.