The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James A. Salerno (MCSN: 290475), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Acting Platoon Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese force on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 1 to 19 March 1945. Assuming command after his platoon leader was killed during a hostile night attack on 1 March, Sergeant Salerno immediately rallied his men to repulse the enemy and, on the following day, courageously led his platoon on an attack on a strong hostile position composed of many machine gun emplacements cut into solid rock. Although his group suffered severe casualties, Sergeant Salerno ably directed them in attaining their objective for the day and in holding it during the night against repeated enemy counterattacks. By his coolness, initiative and personal bravery, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.