The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James W. Moore (MCSN: 0-28483), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Naval Gunfire Spotter of the Third Joint Assault Signal Company, Headquarters Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. When he sustained wounds from a bursting enemy mortar shell while relieving another forward observer party in the remains of an enemy emplacement in the front lines, First Lieutenant Moore attempted to render first aid to others, extinguished the fire which had sprung up in the debris and sent for aid. After attempting without success to remove an antitank ammunition case from flames which had blazed up again, he threw out the ammunition round by round and finally put out the fire. By his quick action, he prevented an explosion and saved the lives of all present. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.