The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant James E. Anderson (ASN: NG-37315429), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Pangdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. His machine gun section was providing supporting fire for riflemen attacking strong reinforced enemy positions. Sergeant Anderson, Platoon Sergeant, skillfully dispersed the machine guns in strategic positions from which they could give the most effective covering fire. When the assaulting element was pinned down by devastating enemy fire, he moved his weapons forward into exposed positions and destroyed the enemy strongpoint. During the enemy counterattack that night, he moved from position to position, encouraging his men and maintaining their accurate supporting fire until the enemy assault was repulsed. On one occasion he exposed himself completely to the murderous enemy fire as he moved his gun well forward to fire into an enemy mortar position and personally silenced it. As a result of his fearless leadership, the friendly forces inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and were able to secure and hold their objective. Sergeant Anderson’s courageous action and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.