Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 514 (November 14, 1951)

    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 E. Giles (ASN: RA-33356608), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 July 1951, the Third Platoon of Company C was given the mission of contacting and resupplying Company B with ammunition. The enemy, however, had effected a penetration between the two companies and the patrol had moved out approximately 175 yards when it was suddenly subjected to lethal hostile fire from a machine gun concealed in a bunker. The ambush successful, the enemy poured a devastating hail of fire on the platoon, forcing it to hastily seek cover. Corporal Giles, who was carrying the unit’s rocket launcher, immediately located the enemy position and readied his weapon for firing. Leaving the position where he had sought safety, he advanced against the hostile emplacement from which emanated vicious bursts of fire aimed at him. Evading the blasts, Corporal Giles charged the enemy position and attempted to fire his weapon. For some reason, it failed to discharge, leaving him critically unarmed. Instead of running for cover, he remained in the open terrain and calmly made the necessary adjustments to assure the launchers’ functioning and then, closing in on the embrasure, fired, registering a direct hit which silenced the weapon and killed four of the enemy gun crew, thus allowing the platoon to complete its vital mission. Corporal Giles’ steadfast gallantry and unflinching courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.