The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James J. Curry (MCSN: 0-16798), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader attached to the Second Battalion, Twentieth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands from 15 June to 7 July 1944. Landing on the heavily fortified beach on D-Day, First Lieutenant Curry valiantly directed the unloading of vitally needed supplies despite a devastating barrage of hostile artillery and mortar fire and by his brilliant leadership and untiring efforts throughout the bitter period following landing operations, expeditiously and efficiently handled the subsequent supply of materials for our forces. Attached to an infantry battalion on 3 July, he courageously led his platoon on numerous extremely hazardous missions through enemy infested territory neutralizing the last points of Japanese resistance in caves and isolated positions by passed by advancing infantry, until he was mortally wounded while carrying out his dangerous assignment. First Lieutenant Curry’s exceptional fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit maintained at great personal risk contributed to the success of our sustained drive toward the capture of this important Japanese stronghold and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.