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 Leonard Lopp (ASN: US-54808850), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 8 February 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Lopp distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, while on a search and destroy mission south of DaNang. At approximately 1230 hours, they came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a hostile force of estimated battalion size. Specialist Lopp immediately marked his position on the right flank of the element with a smoke grenade for their approaching gunships. He then proceeded to assist his gunner by supplying ammunition and by pointing out enemy positions for him. During this action, Specialist Lopp was wounded by small arms fire, but disregarding his injury and refusing evacuation, he fearlessly continued with his mission. When his platoon was ordered to pull back, Specialist Lopp took charge of the machinegun to provide fire cover for his comrades’ withdrawal. While gallantly delivering accurate fire upon the enemy, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Four Lopp’s personal bravery and avid devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.