The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Leroy Gibbs (MCSN: 336935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Member of a sniper unit serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on November 20, 1942. While in charge of a group of men who volunteered to dislodge the enemy from a strongly fortified machine-gun position, Private First Class Gibbs made a survey of the situation and decided that he would have a better chance of carrying out the mission alone. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he courageously advanced toward the enemy objective, but was seriously wounded. His initiative, bravery and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to all whom he served and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.