The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Engineman Wilfred H. Emery, United States Navy, for heroic conduct after an explosion aboard the U.S.S. TIDE on 7 June 1944. Chief Engineman Wilfred H. Emery, Jr., Quartermaster Second Class Aubrey D. Whitten, Coxswain Chester S. Caffey, and Coxswain John W. Downer remained aboard and assisted the executive officer until all personnel had been evacuated, although they had been wounded themselves. They effected the rescue of personnel from above and below decks in the face of fire and imminent explosions, remaining at their posts even though the main deck was under water and the ship was rapidly sinking.