The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class John W. Brushwood (NSN: 6285388), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while serving on board the U.S. LCT 217 during the advanced landings in the Anzio – Nettuno area, Italy, on 29 January 1944. When the S.S. SAMUEL HUNTINGTON was attacked by heavy aircraft and suffered direct bomb hits which caused critical damage and forced her crew to abandon ship, the U.S. LCT 217 immediately proceeded to the rescue of survivors. Seaman First Class Brushwood promptly and fearlessly went overboard in the heavy seas that were running and assisted to the limit of his strength and endurance in helping many drowning men to reach life rafts and wreckage and eventual transfers to safety on board the landing craft. With skill and perseverance he continued to exert all possible efforts in the administration of first aid to the injured, in providing warm clothing for their comfort, and in the evacuation of casualties to a field hospital ashore, thereby contributing to the probable saving of several lives among the fifty-six survivors finally recovered. The extraordinary heroism, complete disregard for personal safety, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Seaman First Class Brushwood were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.