The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James Burton Scuras (MCSN: 0-93426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 December 1966. During a search and clear operation in Quang Nam Province, Second Lieutenant Scuras’ platoon was assigned the lead position as Company FR moved forward to join two companies heavily engaged with a large Viet Cong force. Immediately after crossing the Song Ba Ren River, Company F came under an intense attack by the enemy using automatic weapons and 82-mm. mortar fire. While maneuvering his unit toward the enemy, Second Lieutenant Scuras sustained a severe wound in his right leg. Exhibiting an unrelenting fighting spirit and dogged determination, he quickly improvised a support for his leg and continued to lead and encourage his men in their advance. His fortitude and inspiring leadership contributed significantly to overrunning the enemy positions and establishing contact with the other two companies. Forced to wait several hours for medical evacuation helicopters because of the heavy volume of fire, Second Lieutenant Scuras, with complete disregard for his own painful wound, gave aid and comfort to the other wounded Marines. When it was possible for the helicopters to land, he gallantly refused evacuation until all the other wounded had been lifted out of the battle area. Second Lieutenant Scuras’ heroic actions and dauntless determination were an inspiration to all who observed him, and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional leadership, fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Scuras upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.