The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James E. Pratt (ASN: 0-25135), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 16 January 1951, in the vicinity of Kumyangjang-ni, Korea, when a ground task force had been repulsed by enemy action in its effort to break through enemy lines to rescue a wounded Air Force navigator who had been marooned behind enemy lines for nine days as a result of a forced parachute jump, Major Pratt, without regard for his personal safety, volunteered to assist in rescuing the man. Major Pratt was carried aloft in a helicopter, found the area where the wounded man was reported to be, left the helicopter and placed the wounded man aboard. While the wounded man was being evacuated to friendly lines, Major Pratt remained alone and unprotected in hostile territory. The helicopter then returned and carried Major Pratt to safety. His disregard for his own life in accomplishing this rescue of a fellow soldier is an inspiration to all in this command.