The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Jerome F. Kashinkas, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a crew member of the U.S.C.G.C. 16 during the rescue operation off the coast of France in June 1944. Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Kashinkas, when PC 1261 was hit by enemy shell fire and many of her crew thrown into the water, volunteered to go over the side and try to rescue survivors. Though his gallant action the loss of life was kept at a minimum.