Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class [then Corporal]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 315 (July 26, 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 Sergeant First Class [then Corporal] Harold D. James (ASN: ER-17258396), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, near Man-san, Korea, Company L was assigned the mission of occupying a blocking position on Hill 387 in order that elements of a British infantry brigade could withdraw through the American lines. Before Company L could accomplish its mission, the enemy strongly attacked and forced it to withdraw. During the withdrawal the unit contacted the British forces who intermingled with it causing disorganization and confusion. The enemy, pressing his attack closely, took advantage of the situation and increasing the ferocity of his assault caused the immediate and desperate need for regrouping, placed himself in a position vulnerable to enemy fire and encouraged the members of the unit to form a stable defense line. Reorganizing his own squad and using it as a nucleus, he assembled other units around it and built up enough fire power to temporarily halt the enemy. Under this base of fire controlled by Sergeant James, at least 200 men were able to withdraw from the area in an orderly fashion. The superb gallantry and valiant leadership exhibited by Sergeant James reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.