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 [then Corporal] James W. Wall (ASN: RA-18351407), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1951 in the vicinity of Suim-myon, Korea. On this date Company L was defending its newly won positions on Hill 851 against the savage counterattacks of a numerically superior and determined hostile force. In the course of this action, Sergeant Wall observed that the machine gun covering the enemy’s main avenue of approach stood unmanned as its crew had become casualties. Fully realizing the serious threat this imposed on the entire unit, Sergeant Wall left his covered position and crawled over the fire-swept area to the weapon’s emplacement. In full view of the onrushing hostile force, he then tenaciously maintained this position, delivering a devastating concentration of fire on the enemy. So accurate and effective was his fire that the foe had to temporarily withdraw to reorganize, thereby giving the friendly elements an opportunity to evacuate their wounded personnel and prepare new defensive positions. The initiative and fearless behavior demonstrated by Sergeant Wall contributed to such a degree that the hostile attacks were subsequently repelled with heavy casualties. His valor was outstanding in the field of battle where bravery was common and aided immeasurably to the success of the battle for Heartbreak Ridge.