The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Richard Nicholas Boden (NSN: 3287131), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Coxswain of a motor whaleboat during the rescue of survivors of a United States destroyer, when that ship stranded in Aleutian waters. In the face of great danger at the risk of his life, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Boden maneuvered his boat in heavy seas during mid-winter Aleutian weather, alongside the ship and in the midst of rocks, thereby rescuing personnel from the ship and the water who would have otherwise perished. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.