The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate William A. Cheever, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a member of Coast Guard Cutter 16 during rescue operations off the coast of France, June 1944. Chief Boatswain’s Mate Cheever, when PC 1261 was hit by enemy shell fire and many of her crew thrown into the water, volunteered to go over the side and try to rescue some of the survivors in the water. He did this knowing the personal jeopardy from the sea and enemy shot falling with great intensity. Through his gallant action loss of life from PC 1261 was kept at a minimum.