The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Michael J. Swierc, United States Coast Guard, for heroism as a member of the crew of the U.S.C.G.C. 16 during rescue operation off the French coast June 1944. Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class Swierc, when a PC was hit by enemy shellfire and many of his crew thrown into the water volunteered to go over the side and try to rescue some of the survivors. Through his gallantry loss of life was kept at a minimum.