The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] James R. Pustina (ASN: US-55122182), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date as elements of the regiment launched a coordinated attack on Hill 931, center of Heartbreak Ridge, Private Pustina’s squad was suddenly subjected to a devastating concentration of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Without hesitating, Private Pustina assaulted the enemy positions, firing his rifle from the hip and killing or wounding several of the enemy. He continued to advance amidst a hail of hostile grenade fire when he assumed an exposed position and calmly began firing accurate rifle fire at the enemy. When his ammunition was expended, Private Pustina started throwing grenades, at the same time calling for his squad to join him. Before his men could advance, his supply of grenades were expended and the enemy fire picked up in volume. Realizing that he would have to reorganize his squad before an effective assault could be launched, Private Pustina crawled back to his men and was in the process of reorganization when he was ordered to withdraw. His outstanding leadership and dauntless courage before the enemy so inspired his men that they inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Pustina reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.