The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James E. Murphy (MCSN: 501254), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Assistant to the Bomb Disposal Officer of Headquarters and Service Company, Nineteenth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 July to 10 August 1944. Assisting in the removal of mines and unexploded projectiles from the beaches, Sergeant Murphy facilitated the advance of tanks and vehicles which were carrying supplies to our front line units. Going forward to assist in the removal of antitank mines which were holding up the advance of our tanks on 22 July, he completed his mission in a minimum of time despite snipers who were firing on the area and, in the ensuing fire fight, annihilated two of the enemy. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.