(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Chief Pharmacist’s Mate William R. Keller, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism in rescuing from drowning a combat equipped soldier who had fallen over board from his ship while debarking neat Okinawa on 9 April 1945. Under conditions of great personal danger from being crushed between a landing craft and the ship’s side and with complete disregard for his own personal safety he unhesitatingly plunged into the sea and successfully assisted in keeping the helplessly encumbered man afloat until he could be brought aboard the ship. his alert decisiveness in taking this valiant action in large measure responsible for saving the life of the unfortunate soldier, and his heroic conduct performed in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding.