The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William H. Bowman, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and bravery in effecting the rescue of personnel trapped in an inaccessible compartment aboard a torpedoed U.S. Navy Destroyer Escort. At great personal risk and without regard to imminent danger, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bowman helped to direct and effect the rescue of six men from two damaged compartments, access to which had been obstructed by the explosion of an enemy torpedo. Working in close cooperation with three other members of the rescue party, he bodily lifted men out of the flooded compartment and carried them to safety. Disregarding the danger of the ship's sinking, he remained aboard working continuously, until all survivors had been removed. The courageous and instinctive action of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bowman while exposed to constant danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.