The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Michael Myatt (MCSN: 0-87245), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 March 1966, during Operation OREGON, First Lieutenant Myatt skillfully maneuvered his platoon into a position to attack several strong enemy positions from the flank, a move intended to relieve pressure on another unit. Aggressively moving his platoon through a small tree line and into a flooded rice paddy, he aggressively directed his left flank squad in the advance on the enemy position, killing two Viet Cong. At this point the enemy, firmly situated in fortified, camouflaged bunkers, unleashed a murderous volume of machine gun and automatic rifle fire. Skillfully directing the fire of his platoon, First Lieutenant Myatt exhibited uncommon courage as he moved up and down his lines, inspiring and encouraging his men. Although the Viet Cong were firing across the top of the two foot dike which provided scant protection for the Marine unit, First Lieutenant Myatt, with complete disregard for his own safety, continued to direct his platoon’s fire, moving several times through the withering fire to better position his men. Ordered to withdraw to allow artillery and aircraft to attack the positions, he conducted a withdrawal in a highly professional manner under the heavy volume of fire, at the same time keeping an equally heavy volume of return fire directed at the enemy. Under his firm and inspiring guidance, his entire platoon was moved to a position of safety with minimal casualties. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal risk, First Lieutenant Myatt upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.