The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC) Herbert E. Van Meter, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on 20 July 1943. Hearing the cries of distress from a companion being swept into the sea by the strong current near the mouth of New River, North Carolina, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Van Meter plunged in and went to his assistance. Realizing the futility of attempting to swim against the current, he and a Marine kept the victim afloat until help arrived.