The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jessie E. Thames (MCSN: 496676), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 22 February 1945. Although severely wounded about the face and head while caring for a wounded comrade, Private First Class Thames continued his ministrations and braving a heavy enemy artillery barrage, dragged the casualty into a shell hole. His courageous initiative, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.