The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Ensign William Alfred Burr (NSN: 0-118527), United States Naval Reserve, for heroic action on 11 August 1942 while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the United States Navy Armed Guard on board the S.S. PLAUDIT when that Merchantman was torpedoed. Standing on deck, ankle-deep in water, with the Merchantman listing to port and all life boats gone, Ensign Burr and members of his gun crew were finally forced to abandon ship. Seeing one of his men who was a poor swimmer hesitate before plunging into the water, Ensign Burr dove in after him. Heedless of his own safety, he grasped the man and succeeded in keeping him afloat for a considerable length of time before mountainous seas tore them apart. Ensign Burr’s conspicuous courage in attempting to save the life of his comrade, at great risk to his own, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.