The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Electrician’s Mate Third Class Hugh J. Hounshell, United States Navy, for heroic conduct while ferrying a liberty party from the U.S.S. YMS 287 through the surf at Ellice Island on 6 January 1944. A boat overturned and one crew member was being carried out by the backwash into shark-infested waters. Electrician’s Mate Third Class Hounshell fought his way to the man’s side and reached him just as his head disappeared for the fourth time. He then supported the drowning man until a life raft picked them up.