The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Ralph F. Pleatman, United States Navy, for heroic conduct while serving aboard a United States Submarine during a war patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. In a surface engagement with an enemy patrol vessel, and despite heavy Japanese machine gun opposition, Lieutenant Pleatman, as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer of a submarine, manned a 20-mm. gun. In an exposed position, he maintained accurate and effective fire, which finally resulted in the total destruction and sinking of the enemy craft.