The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Machinist First Class William Lorch, United States Navy, for heroic conduct during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 to 11 November 1942. When his ship was damaged by an enemy shell, Machinist First Class Lorch braved fire and escaping steam to assist in closing the engine-room door. Later he returned to remove a comrade’s body and render valuable assistance to the engineering officer in restoring operation of the port engine.