(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Fireman First Class John F. Cantwell, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism during the invasion of the coast of France. On 27 August 1944, when his ship was damaged by an underwater explosion, Fireman First Class Cantwell was blown over the side with several others and although suffering with two broken legs, he swam to the assistance of a badly injured shipmate and supported him until both were picked up by the ship’s boat. Fireman First Class Cantwell’s actions were an inspiration to his shipmates and were in keeping with the best tradition of the U.S. Naval Service.