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 Private First Class James Michael Daley (ASN: RA-11145909), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 19 October 1951. Following an air strike to soften up the enemy, his platoon moved forward to take an intermediate objective necessary for the launching of a Battalion attack. As the friendly troops started up the hill they were subjected to an intense small arms and grenade fire from inaccessible enemy positions. Private Daley, Automatic Rifleman, unhesitatingly advanced ahead of his comrades. Reaching an advantageous position, he poured debasingly accurate streams of fire into the enemy bunkers. The platoon again advanced but met with intense grenade barrages. This fire stopped the unit’s advance and the men began to fall back. Private Daley remained alone in his position continuing his heavy concentrated fire, and finally forced the enemy hordes to retreat in wild confusion. He then called back to his comrades, telling them to charge up the hill. As the friendly troops made their way up the hill, Private Daley was mortally wounded by a burst of fire from the fleeing enemy. Private Daley’s courageous action, tenacious determination and self-sacrificing devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.