The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General James T. Moore (MCSN: 0-685), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a position of great responsibility as Commander, Garrison Air Force, Western Caroline Islands, and concurrently as Commanding General, SECOND Marine Aircraft Wing, from 7 July 1944 to 23 February 1945, and as Commander Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from 24 February to 2 September 1945. Operating boldly and with sharp military acumen from his headquarters in the midst of hostilities on Peleliu, Major General Moore discharged the heavy responsibilities of two distinct command assignments. Consistently demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge of aerial tactics, he directed all Army, Navy and Marine Air Units supporting the operation against enemy Japanese forces in the Southern Palau Islands and, skillfully coordinating the efforts of air and ground forces, effected an early consolidation of the area into a strong air defensive command from which he shrewdly exploited the weaknesses of the enemy, stabbed at his vulnerable positions and blasted his fortified strong points to hasten the ultimate success of our offensive in the Western Carolines and establish a principal air gateway to the Philippines. As Commander Aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Major General Moore hurled the full fighting strength of his air forces over widespread areas of the Pacific, slashing Japanese supply lines, sinking enemy warships, driving hostile aircraft from the sky and dealing death and destruction to the enemy at every opportunity as his intrepid airmen staunchly supported offensive operations which opened the way by sea and by air to the homeland of the Japanese. By his dynamic leadership, personal valor and outstanding skill in resolving multiple complex problems of logistics, material, tactics and personnel, Major General Moore contributed essentially to the successful prosecution of the war. The achievement of the Fleet Marine Air Force under his brilliant direction reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.