The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James Thomas Hembree, Jr. (ASN: RA-256629268), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 July 1970. Sergeant Hembree distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant in Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat action near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While set up in a night defensive position, Sergeant Hembree’s unit came under attack from a North Vietnamese Army force using small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and satchel charges. When a machine gun was needed on the opposite side of the perimeter, Sergeant Hembree braved the intense hostile fire while maneuvering across the defensive position with the weapon. Continually subjecting himself to the enemy barrage, Sergeant Hembree moved from position to position to deliver ammunition, treat the wounded and direct the fire of his men, until he was mortally wounded. His actions were instrumental to repulsing the enemy. Sergeant Hembree’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.