The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James J. Little (MCSN: 1410063), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, Battalion Landing Team, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 16 December 1965. Having assumed command of his platoon due to the evacuation of the Platoon Commander, Staff Sergeant Little was leading his men on a search and destroy mission when he was ordered to sweep an adjacent hill to support another platoon which had been ambushed. With skillful tactical maneuver and inspiring leadership, he succeeded in clearing a Viet Cong ambush position, killing four enemy guerillas, wounding one and capturing their weapons and equipment. Proceeding on the original mission, his platoon effectively destroyed several Viet Cong training barracks and large caches of rice. Later in the day, Staff Sergeant Little exhibited exceptional fortitude and determination in attacking guerrilla forces that had inflicted heavy casualties on an advancing Marine unit. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly guided his platoon across a bridge and fifty meters of exposed trail. His aggressive action and skillfully directed fire took the enemy by surprise, inflicted heavy damage and forced the Viet Cong to withdraw. His effective actions throughout the day dealt severe blows to the enemy, with minimal Marine casualties, and were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of Operation HARVEST MOON. By his superior professional skill, dynamic leadership and exceptional devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Staff Sergeant Little upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.