The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant James O. Wasson (MCSN: 273097), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while in charge of a Rifle Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 4 July 1944. During the attack on a hostile strong point, an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the immediate area of First Sergeant Wasson and several of his men. With complete disregard for his personal safety he leaped forward, picked up the grenade and was attempting to throw the weapon back at the enemy when it exploded a few feet in front of him. Although seriously wounded, first Sergeant Wasson advanced and personally shot the Japanese soldier who had thrown the grenade. His heroic conduct and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.