The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Warren C. Boles (NSN: 0-71905), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in caring for survivors from the U.S.S. HELENA (CL-50), which was sunk by enemy torpedoes off Kula Gulf, British Solomon Islands, 16 July 1943. Lieutenant Commander Boles, by his leadership, presence of mind, resourcefulness, and physical stamina, under adverse conditions took a leading part in assisting a group of about twenty-five officers and men to safely reach shore after having been in the water for a period of about sixty hours. After receiving from friendly planes two rubber boats of a total capacity of about six men, he organized the group into relays of swimmers and boat passengers and contributed greatly in keeping the group together and caring for wounded members. He, on numerous occasions, without regard for his own safety, swam to the rescue of stragglers who due to exhaustion or loss of consciousness had become separated, and returned them to the group. The ultimate survival of at least four or five members of the party is directly attributable to his actions. After reaching shore he rendered invaluable assistance in substantially evacuating the survivors from the island. His conduct throughout was beyond the call of duty and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.