The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ship’s Cook Second Class George I. Banks, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a crewmember of the U.S.C.G.C. 16 during rescue operations off the coast of France, June 1944. When PS 1261 was hit by enemy shellfire and many of her crew thrown into the water, Ship’s Cook Second Class Banks 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 heavy enemy fire. Through his gallant action the loss of life from PC 1261 was kept at a minimum.