The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James E. McNiff (ASN: 0-61793), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, while occupying an outlying position, Company F engaged a numerically superior enemy force in a fierce firefight. Receiving an order to withdraw to the main line of resistance, Lieutenant McNiff braved intense enemy fire to direct the units to their new positions. Although constantly subjected to hostile mortar, grenade, and small arms fire, he courageously walked on the ledge in front of the trenches, calming and encouraging the men in their new positions and selecting the most advantageous gun emplacements. He voluntarily remained in an exposed position on the hillside and helped to distribute ammunition. His presence in the area not only inspired his men but materially aided in repulsing the enemy. Lieutenant McNiff’s gallantry, courage, and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

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) James E. McNiff (ASN: 0-61793), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 March 1951, near Tuji-ri, Korea, while part of the third platoon afforded protection to a group of engineers who were clearing a mine field, Lieutenant McNiff led the remainder of the unit in an advance on an enemy-occupied village approximately three hundred yards away. Nearing the village, the platoon received heavy enemy fire and was compelled to withdraw to more tenable positions. During this action, an infantryman was severely wounded. Although realizing that a friendly air attack was imminent, Lieutenant McNiff, with no regard for his personal safety and despite intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire, dashed across open terrain to aid the wounded man, who becoming confused was crawling towards the enemy. After administering first aid to the stricken soldier, he carried him on his back to the safety of a covered position some one hundred yards to the rear. Lieutenant McNiff’s gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.