The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James W. Goforth (MCSN: 0-17251), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16, 20 and 23 June 1944. With his commanding officer a casualty during a heavy fire fight with the Japanese on 16 June, First Lieutenant Goforth promptly assumed command and, immediately reorganized his men under the enemy’s concentrated barrages, skillfully led them in a brilliantly executed attack. Continuing his same daring tactics, he directed his company in pressing home a successful strike against Hill 500 on 20 June and, on 22 June again faced fierce hostile resistance to lead his assault units in wiping out a heavily fortified enemy pocket, killing a large number of Japanese troops before he himself was mortally wounded. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, great personal valor and unrelenting devotion to the completion of each perilous mission, First Lieutenant Goforth contributed essentially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.