The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant James H. Shovar (MCSN: 276809), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Rifle Platoon Company of L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. Succeeding to the command of his unit after the Platoon Leader had been wounded, Platoon Sergeant Shovar led his men in an attack across a deep valley under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire to a ridge held by a stubbornly resisting enemy and, despite the heavy casualties sustained during the action, was instrumental in capturing the objective and holding the position until the line could be reinforced. He then calmly reorganized his unit and prepared for further combat. His inspiring leadership and gallant fighting spirit throughout this hazardous action were directly responsible for attaining a vital objective and reflect great credit upon Platoon Sergeant Shovar and the United States Naval Service.