The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Second Class Howard Pyers Berry (NSN: 6719794), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty without regard for personal safety. In the early morning of 22 July 1944, Seaman Second Class Berry, at the risk of his own life, jumped into the Tamar River near Tamar Quay to rescue Cook First Class Pedro Orario, who had fallen into the river there and was in imminent danger of drowning. Seaman Second Class Berry heard cries for help coming from the harbor slip adjacent to the barn in which the cars of Commander ELEVENTHY Amphibious Force are kept. The night was rainy, chilly, and unusually dark. Seaman Second Class Berry stripped off his clothing and plunged into the waters of the river to rescue Orario. This voluntary act of heroism on the part of Seaman Second Class Berry in the face of considerable danger reflected great credit on himself and was fully in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.