AUGUSTA (AP) — A World War II veteran from Maine has been presented with several service medals for what U.S. Sen. Angus King calls his lifesaving act of heroism.

King presented Navy Capt. Lester Slate of Exeter with the Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals Saturday. King says Slate put his own life on the line to rescue a fellow service member stranded in enemy waters.

Slate served in the Navy for 10 years from 1942 to 1952 and flew 43 combat missions during World War II.

King’s office worked with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of the Navy to secure the medals. More than 30 of Slate’s family members and friends attended the ceremony at King’s office in Augusta.