The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Hatcher M. James, Jr. (ASN: 0-1327957), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kosa-ri, Korea. On that date Lieutenant James was leading a patrol which was ambushed by the enemy and temporarily dispersed by the initial shock of the heavy enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he moved openly about, directing his men into positions from which they could lay down a base of fire to cover the reorganization of the company. Then, without heed to the intense enemy fire directed at him, he manned a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a vehicle and covered the withdrawal of scattered elements of his company until the gun was destroyed. His leadership and quick actions saved many of his men from becoming casualties, and extricated his company from a most difficult and dangerous position. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant James reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.