The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy during the period 14 March to 30 April 1945, as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730) in Western Pacific Waters. During this period his ship participated in carrier strikes on Kyushu and in support of Okinawa Jima operations. His ship rescued from the sea one United States Naval aviation personnel, sank two enemy mines, and obtained hits on several enemy aircraft attacking the formation. His alertness and professional skill contributed materially to the success of the operation and his conduct at all times was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander James Dahlman Collett (NSN: 0-71471), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLLETT (DD-730), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Nojima Saki, Honshu, on 22 and 23 July 1945. Participating in an attack on an enemy convoy, Commander Collett skillfully maneuvered his ship and promptly opened fire with guns and torpedoes, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of two hostile ships, the probable destruction of another and the damaging of an additional enemy vessel. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Collett is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)