The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class William Wesley Blanchard (NSN: 6576707), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while under fire by Japanese shore batteries on 18 May 1945 aboard the U.S.S. LONGSHAW (DD-559). Fireman First Class Blanchard at the time of the attack, was a member of the whaleboat crew. The whaleboat was in the water along side the ship when the first shells hit. Immediately after the first hits the crew began picking up injured men blown off the ship, giving them rudimentary first aid. Fireman First Class Blanchard, with utter disregard for his own life, remained in the whaleboat which went close by the ship which was burning badly and while ammunition was exploding in the close vicinity. It was while on such a heroic rescue mission that the forward magazines exploded. Fireman First Class Blanchard was killed instantly while attempting to save wounded and shocked men. His utter disregard for his own life and the fact that he was willing to sacrifice it to save his wounded shipmates was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.