The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James W. Crain (MCSN: 0-8303), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing on the heavily fortified beachhead on D-Day, against a heavy concentration of machine gun and anti-boat fire, Captain Crain immediately reorganized his company for effective defense and held a shallow beachhead line throughout the first night of hostilities. Braving the enemy’s fierce barrages the following morning, he boldly led his company in a brilliantly executed attack to seize and area of sufficient width and depth to permit landing of reinforcements and supplies. By his forceful and determined leadership his aggressive fighting spirit and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, Captain Crain contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.