The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James E. Harrell, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader, Anti-tank Assault Platoon, Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 5 – 6 December 1950. When an enemy force estimated at company strength attacked, under cover of darkness, his position at a roadblock protecting the main enemy route of approach, Second Lieutenant Harrell skillfully led his men in repulsing the hostile force. After reorganizing his unit and replenishing his ammunition supply, he voluntarily moved forward of the company sector with two of his men in the face of a hail of enemy fire, and directed and delivered effective enfilade fire on the attackers, personally accounting for at least six of the estimated thirty enemy killed. With the rest of the enemy forced to withdraw, Second Lieutenant Harrell returned to his roadblock position after covering the withdrawal of his two men over open, fire-swept ground. Throughout the remainder of the night, he toured his positions, aided his men in any way he could, and succeeded in maintaining the integrity of his assigned area. Second Lieutenant Harrell’s outstanding leadership and inspiring initiative were contributing factors in the successful defense of the Battalion’s positions. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.