The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James M. Boone (NSN: 284322), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. SOUTH DAKOTA (BB-57), which participated in the engagement with Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 14 – 15 November 1942. As a member of the weather deck party, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Boone was mainly responsible for extinguishing practically every fire on the topside during the battle. Several fires he put out unaided. His courage, knowledge, initiative, and leadership made possible the rapid control of all weather deck fires and contributed greatly to the safety of the ship. His fearless and zealous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.