The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James J. Martindale (MCSN: 1138606), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of the Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, First Signal Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 May 1952. As a member of a platoon accompanying a tactical air control party on a reconnaissance mission in enemy territory, Sergeant Martindale displayed outstanding courage and initiative when the officer in charge of the group sustained serious wounds. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense hostile grenade, small arms and mortar fire which fell on the area, he gallantly covered the officer with his body and, demonstrating remarkable presence of mind during the extremely hazardous situation, succeeded in killing two of the enemy attackers. Painfully wounded during this action, Sergeant Martindale, by his indomitable determination and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of another, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.