The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James W. Bedingfield (Beddingfield) (MCSN: 418770), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Valiantly assuming command of a rifle squad when its leader became a casualty, Corporal Bedingfield, although wounded in the neck and shoulder, refused for four hours to be evacuated until his unit was relieved. During this time, in the face of intense hostile fire, he disregarded his own safety and exposed himself repeatedly to the enemy while courageously directing his men. His exceptional skill, keen initiative and inspiring devotion to duty throughout this hazardous engagement reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Bedingfield and the United States Naval Service.