The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James J. Kolchin, United States Navy, for heroic conduct when enemy bombs set afire the U.S.S. SC 696 and SC 694 during the occupation of Palermo, Sicily in 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Kolchin valiantly fought the blaze despite a severe air attack. He worked desperately until the ships were again hit by bombs, resulting in their destruction and his severe injury.