The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Commander James J. Hughes, United States Navy, for heroic conduct during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, 8 – 11 November 1942. When his ship was torpedoed during the occupation of French Morocco, Commander Hughes transferred most of his crew to a nearby destroyer, retaining on board only a small salvage party. He skillfully directed efforts to keep his ship afloat and was able ultimately, with the assistance of other ships, to bring her into port.