The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James Coleman O’Rourke (ASN: 36620291), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 25 June 1944. When a number of officers and men were seriously wounded on an exposed ridge and evacuation to the rear was impracticable because of terrain difficulties, Private First Class O’Rourke went forward with a section of the Battalion Aid Station, to administer immediate medical treatment to these casualties. For over an hour, he remained in the front line, under constant mortar and rifle fire, calmly rendering treatment to the wounded. The nature of his work made it necessary for him to remain exposed during the greater part of this time. His rapid and efficient work, under conditions of great personal danger, contributed in a very large measure to the saving of these wounded.