The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Theodore G. Petronick, United States Coast Guard Reserve, for heroism in rescuing an officer from drowning on 20 February 1945, during the assault on Iwo Jima Island. When the officer fell from a debarkation not on a combat transport and burdened with a full battle pack and heavy clothing and being physically exhausted was in danger of drowning, Seaman First Class Petronick voluntarily descended the net into the water and leaving the net succeeded in getting the officer to where the latter could grasp the net. He then cut away the officer’s battle pack and aided in sustaining him until a landing craft could rescue him.