The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James S. O’Halloran (MCSN: 0-5218), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Battery E, Third Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, from 7 August to 18 December 1942 and from 18 December 1942 to 4 January 1943, of the 90-mm. Group (AA), during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Throughout this period, Major O’Halloran conducted the fire of his battery with such skill, courage and effectiveness that nine Japanese bombers were shot down and five more probably destroyed, while damage to the airport was held to a minimum. His fearlessness and unyielding devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of the Third Defense Battalion in holding and maintaining operations from Henderson Field, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.