The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James A. Colbert (ASN: RA-38271532), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 August 1950 in the vicinity of Taegu, Korea. On the night of that date he was leader of a 57-mm. recoilless rifle squad furnishing covering fire for a friendly artillery unit. After failing to break through his company’s perimeter, the enemy sent troops forward in an attempt to infiltrate the company’s positions under a heavy mortar barrage. Sergeant Colbert immediately led his squad to an exposed position in order to prevent the enemy from approaching by way of a nearby river bed. He soon observed enemy troops moving toward his squad and immediately opened fire on the enemy forcing them to retreat in disorder. While directing the fire of his squad he was killed by enemy artillery fire. His decisive leadership and bold maneuver prevented the enemy from overrunning the right flank of his company. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Colbert on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.