The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James M. Patterson (ASN: US-52033415), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 September 1951 in the vicinity of Tumil-li, Korea. On that date Sergeant Patterson was a medical aidman attached to a unit which had the mission of evacuating a wounded comrade lying in a mine field. Undaunted by the danger involved, Sergeant Patterson, crossed the hazardous terrain to the side of the wounded man, who by now was bleeding profusely from a leg wound. By immediately applying a tourniquet to the leg, the potentially fatal hemorrhage was placed under control. During this action several other medical aidmen in an attempt to advance and assist Sergeant Patterson were seriously wounded by a mine explosion. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Patterson left his position to assist his comrades, but in doing so stepped on a mine himself and was seriously wounded. The selfless devotion to his comrades and gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Patterson on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.