The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander Colby G. Rucker, United States Navy, for heroism and outstanding performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RAVEN during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco in November 1942. On 15 November 1942, the U.S.S. ELECTRA was torpedoed about 20 miles from Casablanca. Although the sea was rough and conditions bad, Lieutenant Commander Rucker unhesitatingly placed the U.S.S. RAVEN alongside the torpedoed vessel and kept his ship alongside for hours until all his lines had been destroyed by repeatedly carrying away. The U.S.S. RAVEN’s port side was partially stove in and she sustained much other damage. During this time he not only assisted in keeping the U.S.S. ELECTRA float by pumping but also organized and directed the entire salvage effort of his ship and of other assisting ships. He carried on in an outstandingly determined, aggressive, and effective fashion and largely due to this the U.S.S. ELECTRA was brought safely into port. The courage and determination exhibited by Lieutenant Commander Rucker and his fine leadership and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.