The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander (MC), [then Lieutenant] James Daniel Carter, United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Battalion Surgeon of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. Subjected to a heavy enemy mortar, artillery and high velocity anti-tank barrage falling on the aid station on 21 February, Lieutenant Commander Carter continued to treat six casualties despite at least ten direct hits on the aid station. Although wounded during this attack, he supervised his patients’ evacuation to covered positions. During the period of bombardment, he treated over sixty casualties although it was impossible to move about without being exposed to air-bursting artillery shells. On 24 February, Lieutenant Commander Carter again braved heavy fire to organize an advance aid station and administer first aid to ten casualties lying in an exposed location. By his courage, determination, and untiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Carter saved many lives from certain death. His professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service.