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 Sergeant James Dudley Shafer (ASN: RA-15662216), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant Shafer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force on 6 November 1967. While serving as a member of Company D, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) at Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1335 hours, Company D made heavy contact with an unknown number of North Vietnamese Army troops. Sergeant Shafer took his squad and shifted to the right part of the perimeter. The enemy tried two savage attacks to push them back, but failed in both attempts. Sergeant Shafer continued to lead his men and fight on after being wounded on two separate occasions. The company commander ordered Sergeant Shafer to withdraw or pull back so he could receive medical treatment. As he turned back and started down the trail, about thirty yards from the perimeter, he killed two more North Vietnamese soldiers. The last thing Sergeant Shafer said was that he was only doing his job. After making two trips to the command post with wounded personnel, he returned to the perimeter and was killed while trying to help repel an attack. Sergeant Shafer’s outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.