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) James L. Parker (ASN: 0-955085), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 May 1951, in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Parker’s platoon was attempting to maneuver around a high rock knob so as to deny its use to the enemy. His platoon was receiving machine gun, automatic weapons and rifle fire from both front and rear, but were still moving forward. Lieutenant Parker with complete disregard for the intense fire and his personal safety, led his men in a frontal assault on the enemy despite the heavy fire from two different directions. Upon receiving the order to withdraw, Lieutenant Parker was hit in the leg by enemy fire. Despite his painful wound he withdrew his men through intense fire to a position of safety without the loss of a single man. The undaunted courage and high devotion to duty of Lieutenant Parker reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.