The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private James William Mondragon (MCSN: 2344962), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Crewman with Company A, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 March 1968, Private Mondragon’s amphibian tractor was supporting an infantry assault on a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying the village of Phu Tai in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire which pinned them down. Although painfully wounded when his vehicle was struck by three anti-tank rockets, Private Mondragon resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position on top of the tractor and commenced directing accurate machine gun fire on the enemy emplacements. Upon being informed that the friendly infantry unit was dangerously low of ammunition, he delivered effective suppressive fire on the hostile soldiers, pinning them down and enabling the besieged Marines to obtain additional ammunition. Alertly observing a concealed machine gun position, he seized a light anti-tank assault weapon and skillfully fired it at the emplacement, silencing the hostile weapon. His determined efforts and bold initiative were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private Mondragon upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.