James F. Finnessey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James F. Finnessey (1132612), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Tank Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 17 August 1952. Serving as a Tank Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Finnessey displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty during a reinforcing action far forward of the main line of resistance. When a group of Marines on an outpost position was ambushed by an enemy force, he was assigned the mission of aiding in the relief. After driving the enemy soldiers off the forward slope, he maneuvered his tank to within one hundred and fifty yards of the entrenched enemy on the covered side and reverse slope of the outpost. To increase maximum fire power, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to employ his turret mounted anti-aircraft machine gun. During the action, he personally killed nine of the enemy soldiers and through his aggressive spirit, he served as an inspiration to all who observed him. Staff Sergeant Finnessey’s gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.