The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain James F. Hovey (MCSN: 0-9442), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during the assault of enemy Japanese held Tinian Island in the Marianas on 24 July 1944. Landing with initial assault wavers on D-Day, Captain Hovey led his men across the fire swept beach against strong hostile resistance and, fearlessly risking his life to direct a vigorous attack against heavily fortified bunkers, relentlessly pushed forward and waged a bitter fight, silencing an enemy field piece and a Japanese pill box pouring death and destruction on our forces, before he himself was fatally struck down by hostile sniper fire. A forceful leader, Captain Hovey by his bold tactics, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of savage opposition, contributed essentially to the seizure of the beachhead on this vital Japanese stronghold, and his undaunted courage and resolute conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.