The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (SC) Curtis P. Waggoner, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct while serving aboard the U.S.S. HENLEY (DD-391) after his ship was torpedoed on 3 October 1943. While swimming toward a life raft after abandoning the torpedoed U.S.S. HENLEY, he came upon a man who was attempting to rescue two wounded and helpless shipmates. He took charge of one and supported him for 300 yards to a life raft although not himself a strong swimmer.