The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James A. Rhodes (ASN: RA-37619461), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. During the afternoon of 25 July 1950 while Private First Class Rhodes’ squad was participating in an attack to seize high ground in the vicinity of Hwanggan, Korea, the squad leader became a casualty. Immediately assuming command of the squad, Private First Class Rhodes skillfully led it to the assault position. Heedless of two painful wounds from enemy rifle fire and despite the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he recovered an automatic rifle and established withering covering fire for his squad to withdraw to a more favorable position. After his squad had successfully completed its movement, he relinquished command of the squad, returned to the assault position and carried his squad leader back to the aid station more than half a mile away. Private First Class Rhodes’ courageous leadership and selfless devotion to his comrades reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.