The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to First Sergeant William L. Akers (MCSN: 259368), United States Marine Corps, for heroism following the exploding and burning of a Landing Craft at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 21 May 1944. After the command to abandon ship was given, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he demonstrated outstanding leadership by remaining aboard ship and assisting in lowering casualties over the side. Although the ship was burning dangerously, he remained aboard until all the casualties in his section had been evacuated. He then jumped from the ship, boarded a small boat and directed the boat in picking up survivors and casualties out of the water. His personal courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.