The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant James B. Abernathy (ASN: RA-20416047), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 November 1950 near Ipsock, Korea, Master Sergeant Abernathy was serving as forward observer with a task force. Having crawled through a deadly hail of hostile artillery and mortar fire to reach the forward observation post, he remained in position throughout the night despite repeated barrages and banzai attacks. He effectively placed more than 500 rounds of mortar fire on the enemy as they made repeated assaults on friendly positions. Although wounded and partially blinded by a grenade blast, he declined evacuation and continued with his fire mission. Master Sergeant Abernathy’s outstanding courage, dauntless determination and selfless devotion to duty contributed materially to the repulse of the hostile attacks and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.