The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant] James A. Parker (ASN: 0-2262877), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea. Near Soam-ni, Korea, on 6 February 1951, Lieutenant Parker’s unit was heavily engaged with a numerically superior hostile force. When the enemy secured a hill overlooking the left flank, he moved his platoon through devastating fire to an assault position. Despite exposure to heavy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire, he ran across open terrain to contact friendly tanks and direct their fire on the main strongpoints of the entrenched foe. Returning through the deadly barrage, he led his men in a spirited charge that routed the enemy from the objective. Lieutenant Parker’s courageous leadership, aggressive spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the Armed Forces.