The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James Bingenheimer (MCSN: 2145060), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 March 1971, while leading a patrol in the Charlie Ridge area of Quang Nam Province, Sergeant Bingenheimer initiated an ambush against a North Vietnamese Army soldier and killed him as he attempted to escape. After searching the body and finding documents containing information of intelligence value, he elected to move his reconnaissance team to an alternate location lest other enemy soldiers in the area be attracted to the ambush site by the sound of gunfire. As the patrol moved away, the Marines heard hostile movement nearby. Quickly deploying his men into effective fighting positions, Sergeant Bingenheimer fearlessly moved about the defensive perimeter to ensure that every possible enemy avenue of approach was clearly discernible and, while so doing, sustained two serious wounds when hostile soldiers concealed in the heavy jungle growth opened fire on his team. Responding immediately to the assault, he shouted encouragement and fire directions to his men and, although suffering intense pain, valiantly waged a vigorous defense of the position until the enemy was forced to retreat. When the fire fight was over, the Corpsman and assistant patrol leader, observing that Sergeant Bingenheimer was a casualty, rushed to his aid but, despite their intensive first aid efforts, he succumbed to his wounds. By his courage, heroic initiative, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger. Sergeant Bingenheimer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.