The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class William F. Sweeney, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a member of the crew of the U.S.C.G.C. 16 in June 1944 during rescue operations off the coast of France. When PC 1261 was hit by enemy shellfire and many of crew thrown into the water, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Sweeney volunteered to go over the side and try to rescue survivors, despite intense enemy fire. Through his gallant action loss of life from PC 1261 was kept at a minimum.