The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private James E. Hatcher (MCSN: 85801), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with the 84th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 19 July 1918. Private Hatcher, together with another soldier, displayed unusual courage and bravery when they advanced beyond the line of combat under heavy rifle, machine gun, and artillery fire and succeeded in silencing an enemy machine gun and capturing several prisoners.