The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Joe A. Bowery, Jr. (NSN: 8430261), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in rescuing an enlisted man from drowning on 10 April 1945 while their ship was anchored in the vicinity of enemy held islands. After a boat davit cable parted hurling the crew into the water he with utter disregard for hi sown personal safety entered the water with a life line and carried it to a shipmate who was unable to swim due to shock and cold water. Through his outstanding skill and courage, he succeeded in reaching the drowning man thus enabling the other members of the crew to pull both himself and his shipmate to the side of the ship and safety. His heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding.