Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant William M. James (ASN: RA-20462631), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company (Medium), 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 16 January 1951, near Kumyangjang-ni, Korea, the 1st Battalion of the 15th Infantry Regiment, which was engaged in a fire fight with the enemy, was withdrawing to the south to establish a perimeter defense for the night. Sergeant James, with his tank, was acting as rear guard for the withdrawal. As his tank was slowly withdrawing, he saw a medical service officer, while under fire, attempting evacuation of five wounded infantrymen. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, there being no friendly troops between his position and the enemy, he continually exposed himself to heavy small arms fire in directing the maneuvering of his tank to provide complete protection for the medical and wounded personnel. By exposing himself from the turret of his tank in order to maneuver and effect fire, he successfully accomplished his mission of covering the withdrawing forces and the safe evacuation of the wounded personnel. The display of initiative and gallantry by Sergeant James on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 29, 1950
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2 (January 2, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant William M. James (ASN: RA-20462631), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Tank Company (Medium), 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 November 1950, near Majon-Ni, Korea, Sergeant James was tank commander of the tank leading a convoy of vehicles from Tangyong, Korea, to Majon-Ni, Korea. As his tank rounded a blind curve on a narrow mountainous road, he encountered a road block consisting of a 2 _ ton vehicle on its side, firmly anchored in place. The convoy was forced to stop. At this moment the convoy was ambushed by the enemy and came under intense small arms fire and mortars. Sergeant James immediately and unhesitatingly exposed his body from the turret in order to observe the road block and calmly commenced giving instructions to his driver over the interphone. With no thought for his own personal safety and while exposed to continuous enemy fire, he instructed his tank driver how to approach the road block and push it off the road. The successful completion of this mission by Sergeant James materially aided the convoy in proceeding to its objective. The heroism displayed by Sergeant James on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.