The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class James C. E. Totten (ASN: RA-13330728), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kongnae, Korea. On that date, during an attack on a heavily fortified and strategic enemy-held hill, Sergeant Totten’s platoon was suddenly subjected to intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire. Completely disregarding his own safety and the enemy fire, he fearlessly assaulted a hostile emplacement and succeeded in destroying it with his carbine and hand grenades. Returning to his men, Sergeant Totten immediately reorganized them and flanked the ambushing enemy, killing several and dispersing the remainder. In the course of this action he was wounded by an enemy grenade, but disregarding his injury he led his men toward the objective. When his unit was again halted by the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Totten, with words of encouragement and his own dauntless courage, inspired his men to continue the assault. During the ensuing action he was wounded and forced to be evacuated. Through his aggressive leadership his men were able to secure their objective. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Totten reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.