The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James B. DeBolt (ASN: RA-13351266), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 October 1951 in the vicinity of Chong-ni, Korea. On this date, during an assault on a strategic enemy-held hill, Sergeant DeBolt’s squad was pinned down by a heavy concentration of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and machine gun fire. Realizing the need for immediate action to relieve his unit of the impending enemy fire, Sergeant DeBolt moved around the enemy’s flank. Advancing through the intense hostile fire toward the emplacement offering the most resistance to his unit’s advance, he succeeded in silencing the enemy machine gun and killing its crew. Then utilizing the captured enemy weapon, he turned it on the remaining hostile positions about him, forcing the enemy to withdraw. As the friendly unit continued its assault Sergeant DeBolt rejoined his men and led them on to the final objective. His outstanding leadership and courage aided immeasurably in the successful completion of the unit’s mission. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant DeBolt on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.