The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James W. Hancock (MCSN: 258269), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as platoon guide of the First Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at the mouth of the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on August 21, 1942. When enemy fire had put two gun crews out of action, Sergeant Hancock, with courageous initiative manned a thirty-seven millimeter gun and maintained steady and accurate fire until he was seriously wounded and forced to retire for medical care. He displayed inspiring fortitude and valor throughout this operation.