The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James E. McElhannon (MCSN: 935168), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. Assuming the duties of Platoon Sergeant, Private First Class McElhannon led the right flank of his platoon against a strong pocket of resistance that held up the advance of other units for several days. Although several of his men were killed or wounded, he continued to lead his platoon forward in the face of heavy machine-gun fire and exploding enemy hand grenades and pointed out targets on hostile positions which were only thirty yards away. Placing his men in advantageous positions, he joined in the attack with hand grenades, thereby inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and permitting the advance of his men. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.