The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Coxswain Edwin Leonard Lewis, United States Coast Guard, for self-sacrificing spirit and daring efforts displayed while attached to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter CARTIGAN on duty off Cape May, New Jersey, 1 February 1945, when a member of the crew was accidentally washed over board and was struggling to stay afloat. Coxswain Lewis voluntarily went over the side and despite the handicap of heavy clothing and life jacket courageously fought his was through the heavy icy seas and succeeded in grasping the exhausted man just as he was going under and supported him until both men were hauled aboard to safety.