The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Radioman Second Class Sigmond F. Butler, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct following the sinking of the U.S.S. STRONG (DD-467) in Kula Gulf, 5 July 1943. Radioman Second Class Butler was a constant inspiration to a party of survivors adrift and volunteered with another man to swim the three miles to Rice Anchorage for help. After ground on enemy-held Arundel Island, he ministered to his injured companion and also to an injured Army pilot. Trapped between hostile installations, he manned a boat through dangerous waters until all were rescued.