The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James W. Shelby, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam, on 28 January 1964, and serving as an Advisor to a Vietnamese Company of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Shelby was accompanying the forward units of the Company which was conducting a search and clear operation when it was suddenly ambushed by guerillas supported by automatic weapons and mortars. The initial onslaught killed three, wounded nine, separated the lead elements, and caused the main body of the Company to withdraw from the area. Sergeant Shelby quickly organized the remaining personnel of the pinned down advanced elements for withdrawal from the assault zone. Then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he exposed himself to the heavy gun fire to retrieve a dead soldier’s weapon to prevent it from falling into hostile hands. Although he sustained a painful facial injury from grenade fragments during this effort, he demonstrated perseverance and courage by making his way to the main body of the Company to organize a group of Vietnamese to return for the wounded men. When these efforts resulted in only four volunteers, he returned to the assault zone, made four separate trips under intense gun fire, and carried four wounded soldiers to safety. He then displayed outstanding leadership, fortitude, and devotion to duty by remaining in the ambush zone to direct the operations and to encourage his Vietnamese counterparts to pursue their defense efforts. Sergeant Shelby’s gallantry in action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.