James Patrick Young, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 43550
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James P. Young, Jr. (MCSN: 0-16315), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 23 February 1945.
When a friendly Navy float-type plane was hit and crashed behind Japanese lines, First Lieutenant Young voluntarily led a rescue party which moved rapidly three hundred yards through hostile territory to the wreckage.
Despite the imminent threat of an explosion from high octane gasoline which covered the immediate area and the constant danger of enemy ambush, he unhesitatingly risked his life to extricate two seriously injured members of the crew trapped in the wreckage.
Continuing his valiant efforts, First Lieutenant Young removed documents and maps, assisted in administering first aid and in carrying the victims to the comparative safety of our lines.
His courageous initiative and devotion to duty in the face of grave dangers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.