(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Fireman First Class Walter G. Ruding, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism and outstanding performance of duty while engaged in handling lines for the docking of the U.S.A.T. EDMUND P. ALEXANDER at Navy Yard Annex, Bayonne, New Jersey, on 19 May 1945. With utter disregard for his personal safety he dived into the dry dock and swam 75 feet to the assistance of a shipyard worker who had fallen over board from a small boat and had disappeared below the surface. Upon reaching the spot, Fireman First Class Ruding dived and recovered the man, brought him to the surface and supported him until help arrived, when he was assisted in putting the man in a boat. He had remained in the water with the man until he was at a point of exhaustion himself. His action had saved the life of the shipyard worker.