The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class James E. Sherwood (NSN: 7338292), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan in the Mariana Islands, during the period 15 June 1944 through 7 July 1944. On 6 July 1944, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Sherwood was aiding the company to which he was assigned in the mission of mopping up remaining Japanese resistance on a heavily wooded hill. While carrying out this mission, several Marines were wounded by well-concealed enemy machine guns. One Marine was lying helpless and badly wounded in the field of fire of one such gun. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Sherwood, although warned of his certain injury or death if he should attempt to aid the wounded Marine, disregarded these warnings and his personal safety and bravely went to the Marine’s side. While attempting to drag the Marine to cover and administer first aid, a burst of enemy machine gun fire killed the wounded Marine and mortally wounded Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Sherwood in the chest. He dragged himself out of the line of fire and while still conscious calmly directed medical aid for two other wounded Marines and himself. He refused to be evacuated until one of the Marines had been taken to the aid station. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Sherwood undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.