The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles F. Wortham, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct as a member of a fire and rescue party at Algiers, 4 August 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Wortham unhesitatingly assisted in cutting through the side of a blazing ship in a desperate attempt to free men trapped below decks. He persisted in his attempts despite danger of further explosions.