The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Harvey Waites (ASN: US-52123966), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 26 July 1952, the 1st Platoon of Company F, 2d Battalion, of which Private Waites was a member, was assigned the mission of assaulting the enemy outpost “Cavite” near Koyangdae, Korea, and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes. As the platoon neared the enemy positions it was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, immediately resulting in several friendly casualties. Observing a man lying seriously wounded in an exposed position and in danger of receiving further injuries, Private Waites completely disregarded his personal safety as he moved through the withering enemy fire to his wounded comrade and carried him to the evacuation point. Returning to his original position he found another wounded man. Courageously Private Waites again crossed the shell-torn terrain to assist this man to safety. While moving back through the lethal enemy fire he was hit and mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Private Waites’ outstanding gallantry and untiring devotion to his fellow soldiers reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.