The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Second Class Ernest B. Tillingbast, United States Navy, for heroic conduct while serving as a member of the Armed Guard of a vessel during World War II. Adrift in a lifeboat for 20 days and nights after his ship had been sunk, Seaman Second Class Tillingbast rendered tireless service to other personnel in the boat. He saved the life of the first assistant engineer of the vessel who was injured during the sinking.