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 (Field Artillery) James Ronald Heldman, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Heldman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of Battery D, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 February 1968. When Viet Cong mortar rounds bean ripping the American perimeter around Tan An, South Vietnam, Captain Heldman rallied torn remnants of his defenders to prepare for a communist ground attack to follow. Concussion from exploding rockets knocked Captain Heldman down twice as he helped carry casualties to the battalion aid station. While checking a machine gun position, it received a direct hit, seriously wounding the gun’s three crew members. Captain Heldman took over and fired 500 rounds against superior numbers of enemy soldiers before turning over the weapon to an replacement crew He then picked up a grenade launcher and fired until the enemy withdrew. He then returned to the aid station to help with the wounded, and then led a 25-man patrol through the countryside to mop up enemy stragglers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Heldman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.