JAMES J. CHAISSON, then Private First Class, United States Marine Corps Reserve. For extraordinary heroism while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, Sixth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 12 May 1945. Volunteering to assist a Marine unit which was pinned down by intense hostile fire emanating from a well-defended enemy position on commanding ground, Private First Class Chaisson located the source of enfilade fire that was taking a heavy toll on the attacking Marines and destroyed it by leading a flame-thrower assault which killed approximately twelve of the enemy. Observing that his unit was in grave danger of being fired upon by friendly supporting aircraft, he dashed up a hillside and, though painfully wounded by hostile fire, succeeded in rolling out panels to mark the position of his unit. Upon returning, he discovered that three seriously wounded Marines were lying in front of friendly lines. Unhesitatingly, he hung on the back end of a tank and allowed himself to be dragged forward along the ground to the positions of the wounded men. Under covering fire from the tank, he assisted the casualties back to the lines. When his small attacking force was ordered to a new location, Private First Class Chaisson seized an automatic rifle from a fallen Marine and in the face of heavy hostile fire, rushed ahead in full view of the enemy, drawing the fire to himself. Although suffering painful wounds, he courageously and determinedly engaged the enemy, thereby aiding his companions to reach their objective and renew the attack. His great personal valor, outstanding initiative and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Chaisson resided in Georgia.