The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Bob W. James (MCSN: 890851), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 16 June 1944. After repeated enemy counterattacks during his company’s position had put a heavy machine gun out of action, Private First Class James moved into the breach and, armed with an automatic rifle, took over the position. Repeatedly braving mortar and machine-gun fire to observe enemy activity and engage targets, he held this part of the line against repeated Japanese charges until a replacement machine gun was obtained an hour later. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class James and the United States Naval Service.