The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James Richard Daniels (ASN: RA-53948509), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Daniels distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 14 July 1969 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting combat operations near Duc Pho when the lead element came under intense fire from a well-concealed enemy force. During the initial enemy attack, several friendly soldiers fell wounded and exposed to the hostile fire. Taking immediate action, Sergeant Daniels quickly deployed his men to positions of cover and directed their retaliatory fire on the insurgents. Utilizing fire and movement tactics, Sergeant Daniels moved to a point over an enemy flank position. Then, with complete disregard for his personal safety, he assaulted the enemy emplacement firing his weapon and completely destroyed it. Spotting a wounded comrade in an open area, Sergeant Daniels directed his men to provide covering fire for him as he moved toward the injured man. During this rescue attempt, Sergeant Daniels was seriously wounded. Sergeant Daniels’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.