The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner William G. Knoepfel, United States Navy, for meritorious conduct and outstanding performance of duty while voluntarily engaged in diving operations incident to the salvage of vessels damaged by enemy action at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Despite toxic concentrations of poisonous gases, fuel oil and debris in compartments of vessels salvaged at Pearl Harbor, he participated in extensive and dangerous underwater work and was responsible for recovery of valuable materials.