The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James R. Kerin (MCSN: 811970), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Assuming the responsibility for protecting the left flank of his company during an attack against a hostile strong point, Private First Class Kerin courageously led his squad forward in the face of intense small-arms and machine-gun fire to an area seventy-five yards forward of friendly lines and deployed them in effective positions from which they could accomplish their mission. While his company was attacking, he armed himself with several hand grenades in addition to his own weapon and boldly directed an assault against a hostile machine-gun position which was inflicting heavy casualties on the opposite flank of the company, continuing until wounded and evacuated in the course of this action. Private First Class Kerin materially aided his company in securing its objective. His courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.