The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class James Wesley Cribbs (ASN: 54375052), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as gunner of the First Squad, Third Section, Second Platoon, Battery B, 1st Battalion (Automatic Weapons) (Self Propelled), 44th Artillery Regiment, 108th Artillery Group, in action on 8 May 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 8 May 1967, a large enemy force attacked the perimeter at Con Thien, Republic of Vietnam, and overran a portion of the friendly positions. As Specialist Cribbs’ self-propelled, twin 40-mm. gun drove forward with a U.S. Marine Corp counterattacking force, the intense enemy fire drove the crew from the open turret of the gun, wounding Specialist Cribbs. As the crew took refuge under the vehicle, an enemy threw a satchel charge in front of the vehicle. Although wounded, Specialist Cribbs, with complete disregard for his own safety, crawled through the intense enemy fire and threw the satchel charge away, saving the lives of his fellow crew members. As the crew made a dash for safety to a nearby trench, Specialist Cribbs, again with complete disregard for his own safety and his wound, mounted the turret and fired the machine-gun to provide protection for the crew. Specialist Cribbs then dismounted from the vehicle, and instead of seeking safety, assisted wounded U.S. Marines to safety from a nearby burning and destroyed amphibious personnel carrier. As Specialist Cribbs was assisting a wounded U.S. Marine to safety, an enemy mortar round landed next to him, mortally wounding him. Specialist Fourth Class Cribbs’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.