The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James F. Finnessey (MCSN: 1132612), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Platoon Sergeant of Company B, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 August 1952. When his section was assigned the mission of aiding in the relief of a group of Marines who had been ambushed by an enemy force on an outpost position, Staff Sergeant Finnessey drove the hostile soldiers from the forward slope and skillfully maneuvered his tank to within 150 yards of the entrenched enemy on the covered side and reverse slope of the outpost. To ensure maximum fire power, he expertly employed his turret mounted anti-aircraft machine gun and, despite the intense hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire, personally accounted for 9 enemy dead. By his outstanding courage, resolute determination and aggressive fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Finnessey served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.