The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] James L. Delmont (ASN: RA-11197960), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On that date Corporal Delmont, a machine gunner, was providing supporting fire for a friendly unit which was assaulting a well-fortified enemy-held hill. He continued to employ accurate fire on the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them until his weapon was destroyed by a piece of shrapnel. Corporal Delmont then noticed that the leader of the attacking elements had become a casualty. Without hesitating, he advanced over the fire-swept area and assumed command of the unit. At this pint determined fire from hostile bunkers threatened to halt the advance of his unit. Corporal Delmont, with complete disregard for his personal safety, single-handedly assaulted the enemy emplacements and with hand grenades destroyed them while killing the occupants. By his example of bravery under fire his comrades followed him in routing the hostile forces from their positions. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Delmont on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.