The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James W. Gatton (MCSN: 514333), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company B, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 7 March 1945. When his squad came under intense enemy machine-gun and knee-mortar fire during an advance against a hostile pillbox, Private First Class Gatton unhesitatingly exposed himself to the devastating barrage in an effort to gain a more advantageous position for supporting his squad’s attack. Moving his weapon to commanding ground and opening fire on the Japanese, he remained steadfast despite the enemy’s concentrated efforts to drive him from his controlling position and, although grenades continued to explode throughout the area, he maintained his fire against the attackers until they were forced to withdraw. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and aggressive determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Private First Class Gatton contributed to the success of his squad in destroying a knee-mortar and a machine-gun nest without casualty, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout the furious engagement reflects the highest credit upon himself and The United States Naval Service.