The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant [then Specialist Fifth Class] James Wood Megehee (ASN: RA-18641156), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Megehee distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 30 June 1969, while serving as a helicopter door gunner with Headquarters and Support Company, 15th Medical Battalion (Airmobile), during a MEDEVAC mission near Quan Loi, Republic of Vietnam. A five man team had sustained one urgent litter casualty, when contact was made with a large, heavily armed enemy force. Because of the triple canopy terrain, the patient had to be hoisted out along with the other four members of the team. As the long range patrol team was unfamiliar with the jungle penetrator extraction equipment, Specialist Fifth Class Megehee volunteered to ride down on the hoist to facilitate the recovery of the team. Despite the fact that the heavily armed enemy force was in the immediate vicinity, Specialist Fifth Class Megehee lowered himself to the ground, unarmed. He remained on the ground until the entire team was safely on board the aircraft, and only then did he return to the ship. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.