The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Sergeant First Class] James B. Alexander (ASN: 0-2263512), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 11 November 1951. His unit had the mission of giving fire support to another platoon that was attacking a strategic enemy-held knoll. The two units became pinned down by a murderous hail of hostile machine gun and small arms fire, which wounded a recoilless rifleman. Although unfamiliar with the manipulation of the weapon, Lieutenant Alexander realized the effectiveness of it. He voluntarily and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, grabbed the weapon and jumped to his feet within full view of the enemy to fire deadly, accurate bursts into the foe’s machine gun emplacement. As a result of his achievement, the machine gun was rendered useless and the friendly troops were able to accomplish their mission. Lieutenant Alexander’s gallant action, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty were a great inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.