The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James V. Stevens (MCSN: 278957), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. While his company was making an extremely hazardous advance over a steep and broken ridge in the face of intense fire from Japanese guns, Corporal Stevens observed the inability of an adjacent company to see the position of an enemy machine gun that was holding up their advance. Immediately taking an exposed position from which he could bring accurate fire to bear on the Japanese emplacement, he maintained a continuous stream of fire upon the enemy installations despite fierce opposition and succeeded in neutralizing it before being mortally wounded by fire from another source. By his daring initiative and unwavering determination in the fulfillment of a vital mission, Corporal Stevens contributed materially to the success of an important campaign pointing toward further victories over the Japanese. His valiant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.