The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James A. Sparks (ASN: RA-37375252), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 March 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, Corporal Sparks, who was a squad leader in the 1st Platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, led his squad across two hundred yards of open rice paddies, under heavy enemy fire from a well emplaced enemy automatic weapons position. Upon nearing this enemy position, Corporal Sparks employed his squad as a base of fire and personally assaulted the deadly position. With complete disregard for his own safety, he dashed forward through intensive enemy fire and shot several of the enemy soldiers as they were trying to fire their automatic weapon. In an exchange of hand grenades, he was stunned and blown several feet by concussion grenades. Nevertheless, he jumped to his feet and continued the assault upon the enemy position, finally neutralizing it with a grenade. This heroic action enabled the platoon to continue its advance and secure the objective. The gallantry, heroism, and aggressiveness displayed by Corporal Sparks reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.