The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant James P. Coleman, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Engineer Officer in the U.S.S. NICHOLAS (DD-449), during the engagement with Japanese forces off Kolombangara Island, on 6 July 1943. Lieutenant Coleman maintained the machinery at full power for over six hours despite the fact that only one scheduled and one unscheduled overhaul had been allowed his ship for a 12-month operation assignment. He also aided the Commanding Officer by keeping a careful and accurate log of events.