The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Elmer C. Willert, United States Navy, for heroic conduct during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. Just before his ship, the U.S.S. JOSEPH HEWES (AP-50), plunged into the sea off Fedala, French Morocco, on 11 November 1942, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Willert went to the assistance of a soldier pinned under a large steel girder and threw him clear of the stricken vessel. With his comrades safe, he went over the side, the last of his rating to abandon ship.