The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign James R. Dame, United States Coast Guard, for heroism in effecting the rescue of personnel from the sinking troopship, HMS LEOPOLDVILLE on 24 December 1944. With great risk and without regard for personal danger, under extremely adverse conditions of weather and darkness, he led his flotilla of Coast Guard cutters to the stricken vessel and succeeded in saving many lives. After the ship had gone down, he entered the icy and dangerous waters to assist survivors in boarding his craft displaying throughout the operations exceptional qualities of leadership and setting an example for his men that was largely responsible for the success of the rescue operations.