The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class James L. Stonaker (MCSN: 369901), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, in volunteering to swim across a lagoon under severe enemy fire to convey and bring back an important message from friendly troops on 20 July 1943.