The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James E. Dunn (MCSN: 0-34248), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 30 September 1944. When the enemy suddenly attacked, inflicting severe casualties on his platoon during an extremely hazardous advance against a heavily fortified stronghold, Second Lieutenant Dunn fearlessly braved fierce machine-gun and rifle fire to direct the withdrawal of his men. The last to leave the fire-swept area, he was hit by bursting shell before he could gain a safe position but, despite his intense suffering, continued to assist in aiding other casualties until another shell struck, mortally wounding him. By his daring initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Dunn served as an inspiration to the men under his command and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.