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 James Escott (ASN: RA-14360416), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 3 April 1953, forces of Company G, 2d Battalion, of which Corporal Escott was a squad leader, was assigned the mission of defending their positions on outpost “Harry”, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea. When the objective was subjected to hostile artillery concentrations, Corporal Escott realized that an assault would soon follow. He organized his men and led them through the intense barrage to the trenches, enabling no man to be isolated in his bunker. As the hostile forces attacked, an enemy soldier crept close to the friendly trench and threw a grenade into it which landed in a section where Corporal Escott and one of his men were. Corporal Escott grabbed his fellow soldier and pulled him around a corner of the trench, allowing the grenade to explode without endangering them. He then hurried from the trench and accurately firing his weapon, mortally wounded the enemy soldier who had thrown the grenade and another who was attempting to fire upon a friendly platoon leader. Corporal Escott’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.