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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James Castaldi (ASN: 51978276), United States Army, for gallantry in action during ground combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam (Quang Nam Province.) Corporal Castaldi distinguished himself in action and gave his life on 12 January 1968 as a M-60 machinegun gunner for 1st Platoon, Company C, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) when his platoon was engaged in prolonged close combat with a large North Vietnamese Army Force. When the enemy first threatened to overrun his platoon, Corporal Castaldi immediately responded to a call from a fellow Soldier on the flank and moved up under intense fire to an exposed position where he could bring effective fire to bear on the enemy, thus stopping the repeated North Vietnamese Army assaults. He held this key position for many hours. When his M-60 ran out of ammo, he continued to hold the position and engaged the enemy with his pistol until an explosive device thrown by the enemy killed him. Corporal Castaldi’s self-sacrifice, personal bravery, responsiveness and determined actions were instrumental to his platoon’s survival. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and the United States Army.