The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Private First Class Norman L. Bernier (MCSN: 1248549), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing a man from drowning at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 30 December 1952. The U.S.S. NEW JERSEY (BB-62) on which Private First Class Bernier was embarked as a crew member was at anchor. A man outfitted in a complete set of foul weather clothing attempting to man his boat which was tied up to a boom off the starboard quarter, lost his grip, fell into the water and was suddenly caught in a strong current and carried away from the ship. Realizing that the swift current and water soaked foul weather clothing would not permit him to save himself, the man called for help. During the hours of darkness and under conditions of great danger to himself, Private First Class Bernier jumped to the roof of a barge alongside the U.S.S. NEW JERSEY and at the risk of his own life, voluntarily dove into the cold, dark water to go to the man’s rescue. Being unable to see the man because of the darkness, he swam in the direction of the cries for help and when about five hundred yards from the ship he reached the drowning man and held him afloat. The man lost consciousness almost immediately upon his arrival but Private First Class Bernier held him above water for about fifteen minutes until a small boat had searched them out in the darkness and both men were taken aboard. His heroic conduct and absolute disregard for personal safety in the face of great danger to himself was outstanding and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.