Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General James M. Masters (MCSN: 0-4874), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 10 – 12, 1945

    SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 77925

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James M. Masters (MCSN: 0-4874), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Executive Officer of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Dakeshi Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 10 to 12 May 1945. On 10 May, when the advance of the Regiment was checked by a strong hostile force, Lieutenant Colonel Masters unhesitatingly went forward of the front lines on reconnaissance and obtained information concerning the Japanese and unfamiliar terrain which enabled a successful attack to be made the following day. On 11 May, he established an advanced observation post in the only possible position on the front lines from which the attack that day could be observed and directed and, despite unusually heavy casualties at the post from intense enemy mortar and small-arms fire, continued to man it and report information vital to the capture of desperately defended Dakeshi Ridge, Moving the observation post forward again on 12 May, he advanced under intense hostile fire to the Ridge before that ground had been completely seized by assault troops and, although the Japanese continued to inflict heavy casualties on his force, persevered in his mission to observe the enemy and terrain, thus securing information which aided materially in the formulation of successful plans for continuing the attack. His inspiring leadership, courage and unremitting devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1943 – January 11, 1944

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel James M. Masters (MCSN: 0-4874), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 26 December 1943 through 11 January 1944.