The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Shipfitter First Class Gene A. Coray, United States Navy, for heroic achievement during World War II. When an injured man fell into the sea during the abandonment of the U.S.S. AARON WARD (DD-483) on 7 April 1943, Shipfitter First Class Coray leaped from the auxiliary vessel on which he was serving and secured a lifeline around the helpless man, who then was hauled aboard. As a result of his action, Shipfitter First Class Coray was forced away from the rescue vessel by propeller was and for some time remained in the water until saved by a boat searching for survivors.