The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Calvin Bentley (NSN: 0-73570), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FANNING (DD-385), during operations against enemy Japanese-held Marcus Island, Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima, from 9 October 1944 to 5 January 1945. Participating in six bombardments of enemy bases and a night surface action, Commander Bentley directed his destroyer through accurate and close-range hostile fire in inflicting important damage on enemy guns, shore installations, stores and boats without damage to the FANNING. During these actions he led his vessel in sharing equally with two other destroyers the destruction of a Japanese destroyer-transport and three landing ships. His courageous and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.