The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James Grant Briggs (MCSN: 411616), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry while serving with the Marine Detachment U.S.S. SANTA FE (CL-60), in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in Central Pacific waters, on 16 October 1944. While under a heavy enemy air attack, Corporal Briggs skillfully brought an enemy plane under fire and despite the grave danger as the hostile craft plunged directly toward his station, maintained steady fire until it crashed near his gun, By his outstanding skill, courage and fearless devotion to duty, corporal Briggs contributed materially to the successful operation of his ship, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.