The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James B. Hathaway (MCSN: 0-32372), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Eighth 15-mm. Gun Battalion, Third Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on 30 September 1944. Volunteering to accompany a machine gun detachment dispatched to support an artillery gun section preparing to fire at 400 yard, point blank range on heavily fortified caves held by Japanese forces, Second Lieutenant Hathaway skillfully supervised the hauling of ammunition and disposition of machine guns in a strategic firing position on the flank in local defense of the area. With the entire section suddenly pinned to the ground by intense, concentrated hostile machine gun and mortar fire from the ridge, he immediately proceeded to his gun sections and, fearlessly exposing himself to the withering barrage, expeditiously located hostile targets and personally directed devastating counter fire against them until he was fatally struck down by hostile shell fire. By his inspiring leadership, great personal valor and cool courage in the face of grave peril, Second Lieutenant Hathaway contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.