The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Pressley Craft, Jr. (NSN: 0-73490), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ROE (DD-418) and as Commander of a Task Unit of two destroyers, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Central Pacific Area, on 24 December 1944. Despite enemy fire, Commander Craft skillfully directed the destruction of a hostile destroyer escort deep in Japanese-controlled waters, and although painfully wounded during the action, continued in command to conduct a bombardment of an enemy base. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.