The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James F. Short (MCSN: 0-19590), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Tank Platoon Leader of the Fifth Tank Battalion, Service Troops, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. When his tank bogged down forward of friendly lines and received enemy antitank fire, First Lieutenant Short directed fire on the hostile installation and, after destroying it, continued to direct the fire of the other tanks of his platoon until they had expended all their ammunition. Although fully aware of his own peril and constantly exposed to enemy fire, he summoned another tank, dismounted from his vehicle and coupled the two tanks together by cable. When his efforts to dislodge the bogged down tank proved futile, he supervised the evacuation of his crew to safety without casualties. His courage, determination and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.