The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James J. Keating (MCSN: 453157), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. Sighting a wounded Marine lying helpless in an exposed area during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Private First Class Keating unhesitatingly braved the enemy’s concentrated barrage to attempt a rescue and, while performing his perilous mission, was himself fatally struck down by a bursting shell. His daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of another at great personal risk reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Keating and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for a comrade.