The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain James S. McDermott (MCSN: 0-11552), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as an Artillery Liaison Officer attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 24 February and 3 March, 1945. When his battalion suffered heavy casualties throughout a day of bitter fighting and the right flank unit was unable to proceed, thereby necessitating the insertion of an additional company to cover a distance of approximately 500 yards in the direction of advance, Captain McDermott, although surrounded by an overpowering enemy, voluntarily proceeded to the front lines of the right assault company and personally called down and directed a brilliantly executed artillery barrage from the forward observation post to enable the line to fold back and make contact for the night security. Stouthearted and indomitable in his concern for the safety of our troops, he remained steadfast in his isolated position without local security from enemy action and continued to adjust his devastating fire close to our own line, effectively thwarting an imminent Japanese counterattack and enabling our troops to re-form without casualty. Again risking his life to verify the adjustment of preparatory fire from an exposed area at dawn on 3 March, he worked skillfully and with unwavering zeal, successfully completing his perilous mission before he was fatally struck down by hostile sniper fire. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, daring initiative and great personal valor maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain McDermott contributed essentially to the success of our operations against this heavily fortified stronghold and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.