The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class William Eversfield, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a member of the crew of the U.S.C.G.C. 16 during rescue operation off the coast of France in June 1944. When a patrol craft was hit by enemy shellfire and many of her crew thrown into the water, Seaman First Class Eversfield volunteered to go over the side and try to rescue some of the survivors in the water. He did this, knowing the danger from the sea and under intense enemy fire. Through his gallant action loss of life from the PC was kept at a minimum.