The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign Joseph Wade Black, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in rescuing an enlisted man from death by drowning in a heavy sea near Asor Island, Caroline Islands, on 4 June 1945. Under conditions of great personal danger from being crushed between the LSM and the ship’s side and with complete disregard of his own safety, he voluntarily and courageously dove overboard from his ship and succeeded in swimming to the enlisted man and thereafter sustained him until a line could be passed to them. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding.