The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) James D. Baldridge (ASN: 0-4202440), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951 near Cholchong-ni, Korea. On 18 May 1951, the enemy massed an all out attack at the United Nations lines. Shortly after the attack was launched, the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 23d Infantry Regiment were surrounded by numerically superior enemy forces. Penetrating further into our lines, the enemy also surrounded the 37th Field Artillery Battalion, which was giving support to the 23d Infantry. The enemy forces had also set up a roadblock on the only escape route that the Regimental Combat Team could have used. The artillery broke through the ring of enemy and withdrew to new defensive positions in order to keep up their supporting fire for the surrounded battalions of the 23d Infantry. While the artillery was withdrawing, Major Baldridge remained in his forward position to maintain communications with the surrounded battalions, thereby insuring constant artillery support. Although the enemy was closing in rapidly on his position, he refused to withdraw until the artillery was in new defensive positions and could establish communication with the hard-pressed battalions. It was not until those communications had been established and the infantry was in contact with their supporting artillery that Major Baldridge consented to withdraw. Major Baldridge’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.