The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James G. Severns (MCSN: 0-52171), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 – 22 February 1953. When the patrol which he was leading far forward of the main line of resistance was subjected to devastating hostile mortar and artillery fire and sustained several casualties, First Lieutenant Severns ordered the remaining men back to the front lines to guide a relief party to the scene and traversed the entire area to comfort and to administer medical treatment to the wounded. Although suffering intense pain from wounds sustained during the continuing bombardment, he crawled from one man to another to offer words of encouragement and, when one of his wounded comrades became exposed to the heavy enemy fire, covered the Marine with his own body in order to protect him. A short time later, when the rescue team arrived, he directed the expeditious evacuation of the casualties, refusing evacuation for himself until all the other wounded had been removed to safety. By his outstanding leadership, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Severns served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.