The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James J. Harrington (MCSN: 313850), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 November to 22 November 1943. When the enemy’s shattering barrages inflicted heavy casualties on our troops as they waded ashore after being forced to disembark from their landing craft in deep water near the pier during landing operations on D-Day, Private First Class Harrington voluntarily risked his life in an effort to aid his fallen comrades and, fearlessly swimming through the fire swept area, succeeded in rescuing several Marines and bringing them to the pier where he further assisted in administering first aid and evacuating casualties. With a landing craft ablaze and silhouetting troops landing on the heavily fortified beach later that evening, he boldly proceeded in the vessel and extinguished the fire and, during a fierce action two days later, again exposed himself to intense hostile fire to carry urgently needed ammunition and supplies to our front lines. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and great personal valor against tremendous odds, Private First Class Harrington contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.