The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James K. Sellon (MCSN: 523118), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a rifleman serving with Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 15 March 1945. Landing with the initial assault wave against strong infantry resistance, Private First Class Sellon worked tirelessly and with outstanding efficiency as an ammunition carrier for the 82-mm. mortar platoon of a landing team during the critical early phase of the battle, rendering valiant service under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions until the heavier Japanese fortifications were reduced and mortar barrages became impracticable for driving the enemy from their deeply entrenched cave positions. Determined to remain in action, he subsequently joined a rifle company and, when his platoon’s advance was halted by the continuous, slashing rifle fire emanating from an adjacent cave on 15 March, unhesitatingly risked his life to execute a one-man assault on the defending garrison. Disregarding all personal danger, he rushed the enemy, bayoneted one Japanese and killed another before he fell mortally wounded by a savage burst of fire. An indomitable fighter, Private First Class Sellon by his alert initiative and bold aggressiveness in the face of tremendous odds, enabled his platoon to advance without further loss, thereby contributing to the success of his company’s operations against this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His dauntless courage throughout the bitter conflict upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.