The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James Leon Huston (MCSN: 303030), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War of the Japanese in Headquarters Camp Number One, Osaka, Japan in connection with military operations against the enemy on 8 – 9 August 1943. In company with several of his fellow prisoners, Private First Class Huston stole out of camp under cover of darkness and proceeded to a large warehouse where a timed incendiary candle was set in the midst of highly inflammable materials. Successfully eradicating all signs of egress, he returned to the prison camp after an absence of one hour. As a result of his heroic action, the fire which burst forth a short time later spread to surrounding buildings and, fanned by shifting winds, destroyed five blocks of warehouses containing large quantities of food, gasoline and other war supplies. By his initiative in conceiving this exploit and his courage and skill in executing it, Private First Class Huston succeeded in dealing a telling blow to the Japanese war effort and set a worthy example of loyalty and bravery in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.