The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas P. Lawton, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in rescuing Joseph C. Sumner, Seaman First Class, USN(R), of Fort Myers, Florida, from drowning when he fell from a United States warship on 21 May 1942. Not knowing the extent of Sumner’s injuries and realizing the danger of his being sucked into the turning propeller blades, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Lawton immediately jumped into the water and pulled Sumner to safety. As a result of the officer’s action, Sumner suffered only a minor injury where otherwise he might have lost his life.