The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James B. Burden (MCSN: 865285), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 May 1945. Learning that a wounded Marine was lying in front of friendly lines exposed to hostile fire, Corporal Burden rushed to the casualty and, although thrown to the ground and wounded in the leg by an exploding enemy grenade, succeeded in evacuating the Marine to safety. Subsequently risking his life in the face of constant illumination, hostile fire and the danger from infiltrating enemy troops while traversing perilous territory, he succeeded in reaching a prearranged rendezvous with several tractors and voluntarily guided them to the front lines where they delivered vitally needed ammunition to replenish the rapidly dwindling supplies of friendly forces engaged in a night attack against fiercely resisting hostile troops. By his courageous initiative, unselfish actions and indomitable devotion to duty, Corporal Burden contributed materially to the success of the reinforced Second Battalion in continuing its effective offensive and in repulsing a strong Japanese attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.