The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate John D. Wither, United States Navy, for heroic conduct when an oil fire broke out in his ship during World War II. Chief Wither entered the blazing compartment several times to secure boilers and machinery and to make sure all personnel had been evacuated. He remained fighting the fire until rendered unconscious by the fumes.