The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James R. Little (MCSN: 334504), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16 June 1944. When a well-concealed hostile machine gun suddenly fired upon his platoon during reorganization in a front line area, Sergeant Little fearlessly risked his life in a valiant attempt to locate the Japanese emplacement. Pressing forward through enemy-infested territory and under constant hostile shellfire, he skillfully reconnoitered the area, located the weapon and was responsible for the eventual destruction of the heavily fortified strong point. Later succumbing to wounds received during his perilous mission, Sergeant Little, by his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, had contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.