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 Corporal James Hiram Sheldon (ASN: US-55144435), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 20 November 1952, the forward element of the friendly raiding patrol from Company A, of which Corporal Sheldon was a scout, was subjected to hostile fire in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea. Suddenly, an enemy machine gun and other automatic weapons began firing upon the main body of the friendly patrol. Corporal Sheldon realized that the success of the friendly patrol’s mission of attacking enemy mortar positions and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes depended on eliminating the machine gun fire. He directly exposed himself to the enemy and without regard for his personal safety charged towards the enemy, firing his carbine and throwing hand grenades. He leaped into the enemy trench and in hand-to-hand combat inflicted several casualties and mortally wounded two of the foe. Although wounded, he jumped out of the trench and charged the machine gun bunker, effectively firing his carbine. Shortly afterward, Corporal Sheldon was found near the enemy gun position, mortally wounded. His courageous actions inspired his fellow comrades and enabled them to succeed in their mission. Corporal Sheldon’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.