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 Captain (Infantry) James Joseph Schwebach (ASN: 0-5329577/17673387), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Schwebach distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 29 May 1970 while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, Captain Schwebach was aboard a Command and Control Helicopter when he learned of a Light Observation Helicopter that had been shot down by enemy fire near Tan Pho. Reacting immediately to the urgency of the situation, Captain Schwebach flew to the area of contact. Arriving in the vicinity of the downed aircraft, Captain Schwebach’s ship came under fire from an unknown size enemy force. After his ship touched down, Captain Schwebach braved a continuing barrage of hostile fire while maneuvering toward the downed craft. After reaching the helicopter, Captain Schwebach extracted a wounded crew member and carried the casualty back to the Command and Control ship. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he then returned to the Light Observation Helicopter and carried another seriously wounded comrade through the enemy fusillade to the evacuation craft. Through his timely and courageous actions, Captain Schwebach was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow soldier. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.