The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James L. McClure, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as a boat division officer during the amphibious invasions of Lae and Finschhafen, during World War II. Lieutenant McClure personally led the assault waves of landing craft from his ship to the beach, and despite bitter enemy resistance from machine guns and mortars on the shore, made each landing on schedule at the designated points without the loss of a single craft. 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.