The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James Oscar Varnell, Jr. (ASN: ER-14219867), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Corporal Varnell was a member of a reinforced rifle squad which was acting as an outpost line of resistance for his company. The squad was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and was ordered to withdraw. Corporal Varnell, who had voluntarily manned the squad’s machine gun when the gunner was wounded, chose to remain in position to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. With complete disregard for his personal safety he remained at his post, diverting the enemy’s fire to himself and delaying their advance while the squad effected a successful withdrawal. While engaging the enemy he was killed by hostile fire. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Varnell reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service. .