The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant James P. Whalen (MCSN: 298895), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), Fleet Marina Force in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 19 June 1944. When a small group of Japanese suddenly charged toward his company which was preparing defensive positions for the night on a recently gained ridge top, Platoon Sergeant Whalen skillfully fired his rifle at the oncoming screaming group and when his rifle suddenly failed him at a critical phase in the engagement he immediately picked up an entrenching shovel and ran forward to meet the attackers brandishing their swords. Bravely swinging his shovel he almost decapitated the first Japanese thereby temporarily disorganizing the group and giving his comrades time to organize effective gun fire which killed the entire enemy group. By his courageous act he saved two officers from possible serious injury or death and upheld the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.