The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James Dale Beans (MCSN: 0-72931), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Advisor, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 May 1971. On that date, Major Beans was serving as the Senior Advisor to the Ninth Vietnamese Marine Corps Infantry Battalion engaged in combat operations to defend the Song O-Khe bridgehead on National Route ONE, nine miles Southeast of Quang Tri City. Commencing at 0545 hours, a massive enemy artillery barrage struck the bridgehead area for twenty minutes follow by a bold well-coordinated North Vietnamese Infantry battalion assault from the North, supported by eighteen enemy tanks. Three of the lead tanks successfully breached the bridgehead defenses, rapidly crossed the bridge and penetrated the Ninth Battalion’s Command Post area on the South bank of the Song O’Khe River. A fierce close-quarter enemy tank versus Marine infantrymen battle ensued. With great presence of mind, Major Beans calmly responded to this critical situation by calling for and receiving close air support aircraft which isolated the enemy tanks and permitted their destruction. He then moved to an exposed observation position where he directed intensely accurate air strikes on the remainder of the enemy tanks and infantry. During this crucial moments he was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and tank fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he remained in his exposed position and resolutely persisted in his accurate direction of devastating air strikes that destroyed much of the enemy armor. Major Beans’ courageous action and outstanding advice and assistance to his counterpart contributed to the Ninth Vietnamese Battalion’s success in repelling the enemy’s coordinated attack and directly attributed to the safe passage of over 10,000 friendly troops to the Hue City area. Major Beans’ devotion to duty, courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and leadership reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.