The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Michael Strickland (MCSN: 0-101519), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 31 August 1968, Company F was assigned to seize Hill 792 west of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province from a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. While maneuvering elements of his company toward the objective, First Lieutenant Strickland skillfully directed numerous air strikes against enemy positions and, upon coming under hostile fire, accurately adjusted supporting artillery to within twenty-five meters of friendly positions. Receiving hostile mortar fire, he rapidly directed counterfire with his 60-mm. mortars and steadfastly continued forward. When the point platoon became pinned down by intense North Vietnamese small arms and automatic weapons fire, he boldly maneuvered his remaining platoons to an advantageous position from which they launched an assault on the hostile force. Effectively coordinating the movement of his platoons with supporting arms fire, he aggressively led his men in an assault that quickly overran the objective. As a result of his superb leadership, his company sustained minimum casualties while accounting for over twenty North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Strickland inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.