The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Eula W. Pounds, United States Navy, for heroic conduct while operating a motor whaleboat during the rescue of survivors alongside the U.S.S. WASP (CV-7) on 15 September 1942. Chief Boatswain’s Mate Pounds risked his life in explosions, oil fires and falling debris to cut loose and save men who had become entangled in the lines while abandoning ship.