The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant John Davenport Buckley, Jr. (MCSN: 295342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 3 January 1944. After his platoon leader had been killed, Platoon Sergeant Buckley immediately assumed command and with his comrades continued to battle his way over difficult and unfamiliar terrain in the face of determined hostile attacks from pillboxes concealed in the dense jungle undergrowth. Daringly leading his men across a stream, he positioned them so skillfully that they were able to cover the crossing of other elements of his company. Platoon Sergeant Buckley’s initiative, resourcefulness and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.