The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant James E. Kreiner (MCSN: 224426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant, serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa in the Ryukyu Group, on 12 April 1945. When a group of the enemy suddenly fired upon his squad during a dangerous reconnaissance mission, Platoon Sergeant Kreiner fought gallantly throughout the ensuing engagement until he was cut off from his men in the blistering shellfire. Proceeding alone, he boldly engaged the outnumbering enemy in a bitter fire fight, killing the leader and four more of the Japanese before his own weapon jammed. Determined to disperse the remainder, he dauntlessly continued his advance and, hurling grenades with deadly effect, silenced the fire and enabled his squad to resume its patrol. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding fortitude and daring aggressiveness in the face of tremendous odds, Platoon Sergeant Kreiner contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Okinawa Campaign and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.