The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class John Hale Lofton, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a member of the crew of the U.S.S. BAYFIELD and serving in an LCVP attached to that ship during operations off the coast of France on 13 June 1944. A landing Craft tank was seen to strike a mine and the LCVP was dispatched to assist. Upon approaching the stricken craft two soldiers were seen to be struggling in the water one of which appeared to be badly injured. The LCVP could not get close to the men because of the rough sea. Seaman First Class Lofton without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety jumped over board and swam to the assistance of the soldiers. He placed a life ring around the uninjured soldier and went on in an attempt to save the wounded man. When he reached the latter it was evident that the soldier was dead. He brought back the body of the craft and then swam out and brought the unwounded man back.