The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Calvin E. Norris, United States Navy, for heroic conduct following the collision of the SS GULF BELLE and the SS GULFLAND, 20 October 1943. As a member of the Armed Guard crew Seaman First Class Norris jumped over the side with a life jacket. After attaining the side of a charred life boat he returned through smoke and flames to rejoin his commanding officer who was burned and exhausted. He supported the officer until both were picked up 30 minutes later.