The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant James E. Kent (MCSN: 294566), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortar Sergeant of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Learning that one of his company’s platoons had lost its leader and was pinned down in a draw covered by intense sniper and machine-gun fire, Platoon Sergeant Kent immediately moved forward under heavy fire to organize and withdraw the platoon. Wounded by sniper fire while moving the platoon to the rear, he continued to direct the withdrawal until all the men were out of the draw and, moving the men forward, rejoined his company where he was ordered to the battalion aid station. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Kent and the United States Naval Service.