The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James M. Hawkins (MCSN: 0-41223), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Leader of a Machine gun Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 10 June 1945. Volunteering to replace a rifle platoon leader who was seriously wounded during an assault against a heavily defended enemy ridge, Second Lieutenant Hawkins promptly reorganized the platoon and, encouraging his men, relentlessly continued the attack, thereby neutralizing several hostile emplacements. With his unit again temporarily halted by severe enemy automatic fire from an open field on the right flank, he personally organized two fire teams and led them in a dash across the field. Despite fatal wounds received in this daring act, he effected the annihilation of the Japanese stronghold and, by his aggressive leadership, skillful tactics under fire and self-sacrifice, inspired his men to the successful conclusion of the attack and the attainment of the company’s objective. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.