The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Fireman Second Class Roy Irving Bussee (NSN: 5654036), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while his ship was conducting fire fighting and rescue operations alongside an aircraft carrier on 24 October 1944. With complete disregard for his own safety, he voluntarily and courageously dove overboard from his ship and with the aid of two of his shipmates, persuaded a survivor to let go of the “abandon ship” line he had been clutching for ten minutes or more in order that they might get him to their ship. Only when physically exhausted did he leave the water. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.