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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James L. Swanson (ASN: 0-5351131), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 18 July 1969 while serving as Kit Carson Scout Advisor, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 July 1969. On that date, at 2200 hours, while returning from an operation in Ham Long District, the friendly vehicle was suddenly ambushed by two squads of Viet Cong. Lieutenant Swanson drove the vehicle a hundred and fifty meters from the ambush area and stopped to take a headcount of his men. Discovering that two Scouts and one American were missing, he took immediate action. Ignoring a head wound he had received, he fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he led his remaining men down the dark road into the kill zone to find his three comrades. His rapid advancement through a hail of enemy fire demonstrated great courage and enabled his three comrades to be saved from death at the hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Swanson personally carried one of the injured scouts back to safety. First Lieutenant Swanson’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.