The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy during the period 14 March to 30 April 1945, as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730) in Western Pacific Waters. During this period his ship participated in carrier strikes on Kyushu and in support of Okinawa Jima operations. His ship rescued from the sea one United States Naval aviation personnel, sank two enemy mines, and obtained hits on several enemy aircraft attacking the formation. His alertness and professional skill contributed materially to the success of the operation and his conduct at all times was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
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CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Collett (DD-730)Action Date:
November 19, 1944
Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01345 (June 11, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730) in action against enemy Japanese forces near Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 November 1944. Attacked by four enemy aircraft while his ship was on strike picket duty during carrier-borne air strikes, Commander Collett skillfully maneuvered his ship to avoid two hostile torpedoes dropped close aboard and, aggressively directing his gun batteries, shot down two of the attacking planes, thereby successfully defending his ship and contributing to the safety of the Task Force. By his courage and cool judgment in the face of a determined enemy attack from both sides, he served as an inspiration to the officers and men and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Collett (DD-730)Action Date:
April 18, 1945
Commander Destroyers Pacific: Serial 03349 (September 3, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 18 April 1945. When his destroyer and one other were called upon to take over the attack on an enemy submarine which had been under continuous attack for more than ten hours, Commander Collett directed the coordinated operations of the two destroyers and, making five attacks himself, damaged the submarine on the fourth and completed the destruction of the enemy ship on the fifth. His professional ability, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Collett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Collett (DD-730)Action Date:
July 22 & 23, 1945
Commander 3d Fleet: Serial 804 (September 12, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Nojima Saki, Honshu, on 22 and 23 July 1945. Participating in an attack on an enemy convoy, Commander Collett skillfully maneuvered his ship and promptly opened fire with guns and torpedoes, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of two hostile ships, the probable destruction of another and the damaging of an additional enemy vessel. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Collett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)