The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James E. Shortt (ASN: RA-15288446), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Osan, Korea on 5 July 1950. During an enemy tank attack on Company C positions, Private First Class Shortt had his Browning Automatic Rifle destroyed by enemy fire. Undaunted by this he picked up a bazooka and fired on the tanks. Due to his quick think and courage he knocked out two of the enemy tanks and damaged three others. He kept firing the bazooka until it was destroyed by machine gun fire. During this time Company C’s positions were subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire from the enemy tanks. After the bazooka had been destroyed he returned to his position secured another Browning Automatic Rifle and continued to fire it and helped in covering the withdrawal of his unit. The outstanding courage and fortitude displayed by Private First Class Shortt reflects great credit on himself and the United States military service.