The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James A. Wilker (MCSN: 2311095), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the First Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 July 1968. Corporal Wilker’s Force Reconnaissance Patrol was ambushed by a superior enemy force and was awaiting extraction in the cover of a bomb crater. Without regard to his own personal safety, he left the cover of the crater to retrieve a fallen Marine in close proximity of the enemy force. After re-entering the crater, an enemy grenade landed in the middle of his squad. Corporal Wilker selflessly retrieved the grenade, throwing it back at the enemy force resulting in enemy casualties. Corporal Wilker then volunteered to be the last Marine extracted and laid down suppressive fire, killing several enemy combatants while the rest of his squad was lifted to safety. Corporal Wilker’s heroic actions that were selflessly conducted regardless of the risk to his own personal safety saved the lives of his fellow squad members and allowed the valuable intelligence his squad had gathered to be reported to his superiors. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Wilker reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.