The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant [then Corporal] James C. Holzmann (MCSN: 24791919), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Assigned as Platoon Sergeant, First Lieutenant Holzmann was placed in charge of one of two reconnaissance teams located on a prominent hill north of DaNang. For several days, he assisted the company commander in preparing defensive positions and gathering intelligence since there was mounting evidence of enemy movement and an impending attack on this strategic position. Shortly after midnight on 4 August 1970, the enemy threw a grenade into his trench, killing one Marine and severely wounding the platoon commander. Quickly assessing the situation, First Lieutenant Holzmann took charge of his men and skillfully directed the counterattack. Dispersing his men widely along the densely wooded hilltop, he deceived the encircling enemy as to the size of his unit, which forced them to attack from a more distant location. On one occasion, he bravely exposed himself to intensive automatic rifle fire and rushed forward to kill an enemy sapper and detonated the deadly Claymore mine intended to kill and main the Marines. Personally directing the team’s firepower, and in extreme personal danger from over 15 satchel charges which exploded as he dashed among the defensive outposts, he displayed exemplary leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. The keen abilities he displayed were visible in the decisive victory, when dawn revealed the devastation they had wrought on a numerically superior, well-equipped enemy force. His intrepid fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, dynamic leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Holzmann upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.