The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James T. Podemski (MCSN: 0-17423), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 14 January 1944. Courageous and determined in the face of devastating machine gun fire from well-entrenched hostile emplacements, First Lieutenant Podemski fearlessly led his men through dense jungle undergrowth to the crest of Hill 660, an exceptionally steep and heavily fortified position. Encountering intense opposition from a 20-mm. portable hostile field weapon during the perilous advance, he so skillfully directed the mortar fire of his company that the stronghold was quickly neutralized and the hill secured for the further advance of our forces. His brilliant leadership, valiant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty contributed materially to the defeat of the Japanese in this battle and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.