The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James C. Cagle (MCSN: 465074), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Assault Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 27 September 1944. When seven of his comrades were pinned down by intense hostile machine-gun fire from a cave heavily surrounded by antipersonnel mines, Private First Class Cagle courageously advanced up to the cave mouth and, by firing his flame thrower into the opening, made possible the rescue of the trapped Marines. Continuing to aid the advance of our troops, he made three trips to the rear fuel dump to resupply his flame thrower and continue in action. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.