The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private James Craig Ashby (MCSN: 2124853), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 April 1967, Private Ashby’s squad was conducting a patrol near the hamlet of Tu Cau in conjunction with Operation HUMBOLDT. As the unit moved along the bank of the South Vinh Dien River, Private Ashby alertly observed a Viet Cong attempting to enter an underwater cave. Unhesitatingly running forward and jumping into the waist-deep water, he physically overpowered the enemy soldier and dragged him back to the river bank. He then dropped a hand grenade into the water near the cave entrance and when a second Viet Cong appeared, he shot and killed him. Continuing the mission, the squad moved twenty meters further along the river bank when a grenade, thrown from another underwater cave, landed in the middle of Private Ashby’s fire team. Disregarding his own personal safety, he fearlessly rushed forward, seized the grenade and threw it into the river, where it exploded harmlessly. He again leaped into the water and with the assistance of another Marine, pulled two more Viet Cong from a submerged cave. Subsequent interrogation of the prisoners resulted in the seizure of an 82-mm. mortar and three rifles. His heroic and timely actions in the face of extreme personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly prevented serious injury to his fellow Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, Private Ashby contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.