The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James Zack Richards (MCSN: 449240), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Group Leader in a platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, in the Ryukyu Chain, on 21 May 1945. When his own and an adjoining platoon were temporarily halted in an advance up the slope of a ridge by enemy mortar fire emanating from the reverse side, Corporal Richards voluntarily moved around the end of the ridge to reconnoiter the area and, finding the hostile force exposed, fired directly into their midst, killing twelve, wounding several others and routing the remainder to enable both units to press forward and capture their respective objectives. Sustaining fatal wounds in the furious action, Corporal Richards, by his dauntless perseverance, indomitable fighting spirit and courageous initiative in the face of tremendous odds, had contributed to the success of his company’s mission and upheld the traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.