The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Robert B. Bruns, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism as Assistant Engineering Officer of the U.S.S. SAN JACINTO (CVL-30), in a typhoon encountered on 18 December 1944 during operations against the enemy. When the after diesel generator compartment commenced to flood he entered the space and in the face of high voltage electrical short circuits, smoke and gas fumes, he personally supervised the de-energization of the electrical circuits and rigging of the submersible pumps. During the entire storm he made frequent inspections of the engineering spaces, supervising where necessary and keeping the engineer officer informed as to the situation at all times. His courage, initiative and judgment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.