The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James Morris Faddis (NSN: 0-38953), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Landing Craft Support (L)(3) EIGHTY-THREE (LSC(L)(3)-83), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Okinawa in May 1945. Coolly and capably fighting his ship during attacks by enemy suicide planes on 3 and 11 May, Lieutenant Faddis directed the delivery of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and succeeded in destroying five hostile aircraft and assisted in shooting down one other. On two occasions, he skillfully maneuvered his vessel alongside damaged and burning ships and, under hazardous conditions, directed his men in rescuing survivors and in fighting the fires. By his courage and perseverance, Lieutenant Faddis contributed materially to the saving of many lives and to the salvage of two valuable fighting ships. His leadership throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



