The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Everett Thomas Blais, United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing seriously injured men from a beached ship during the severe typhoon of 9 October 1945 at Okinawa. With complete disregard of his own safety, he commandeered and Army LVT and rescued personnel from the stricken ship. His heroic conduct, performed under the most urgent and dire circumstances, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.