The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class James A. Stalp, United States Navy, for gallantry in action as Pointer of a 20-mm. gun aboard a landing craft during an enemy air attack near Guadalcanal, 16 June 1943. Seaman First Class Stalp was instrumental in the destruction of one enemy plane. Courageously disregarding withering blasts of fire, he administered first aid to comrades and assisted a wounded officer across a blazing deck to safety. Observing eight gasoline drums in the path of the spreading fire, he quickly jettisoned the 50-gallon containers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.