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 Staff Sergeant James Curtis Haugh (ASN: RA-55653230), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 March 1968. Staff Sergeant Haugh distinguished himself when the reconnaissance platoon (Tiger Force) of 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division was conducting a combat operation in the vicinity of Phu Loc, Republic of Vietnam. They were moving down a well used trail, and were suddenly taken under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. The hostile fire was so intense that it rendered the Tiger Force unable to effectively maneuver on the enemy positions. Realizing the situation, platoon sergeant Haugh informed his men that he was going forward in an attempt to eliminate an enemy machine gun position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he dashed forward about fifty meters, roving from bush to bush while his men laid down a base of fire in an attempt to cover his maneuver. From his forward most position Staff Sergeant Haugh threw two K-26 hand grenades into the machine gun trench. Oblivious to the tremendous volume of hostile fire now directed at him, Staff Sergeant Haugh, without hesitation, leaped forward and sprayed the trench with automatic weapons fire. Through his actions the machine gun position was silenced, giving the Tiger Force the fire superiority and allowing them to completely rout the hostile force. Staff Sergeant Haugh’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.