The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James D. Flowers (MCSN: 358865), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. When most of the runners attached to his company became casualties during fierce hostilities with a fanatic enemy, Corporal Flowers unhesitatingly volunteered to carry essential messages from the Company Command Post to adjacent units, front line area and to the Battalion Command Post despite the enemy’s persistent, intense shellfire. With radio and telephone lines inoperative between the Battalion and Company Command Posts, he repeatedly crossed the open, fire-swept airfield to deliver important communications to the Battalion Commander, thereby contributing to the success of the operation and to the eventual capture of this vital hostile stronghold by our forces. His daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and courage in the face of grave danger served as an inspiration to others in the area and reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Flowers and the United States Naval Service.