The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James S. Lockhart (MCSN: 2361268), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Amphibian Tractor Driver, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, NINTH Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the assault on the heavily fortified and well defended village of Mai Xa Chanh on 2 and 3 March 1968, the amphibious tractor he was driving came under heavy enemy fire seriously wounding the crew chief. He continued forward onto his objective as the enemy fire intensified. As he lowered the ramp to enable the assault troops to disembark, the enemy poured fire into and around the vehicle, wounding a number of Marines including Private First Class Lockhart. After all of the able bodied Marines had moved from the amphibious tractor to assault the enemy’s positions, he attempted to raise the ramp and evacuate the wounded, however, a badly wounded Marine lay half off and half on the ramp. Despite his own wound and at great risk to his own life, Private First Class Lockhart crawled forward to the wounded Marine and dragged him into the vehicle. While moving the wounded Marine into the amphibious tractor, Private First Class Lockhart was wounded again by shrapnel and ricocheting bullets. Ignoring his own wounds, he raised the ramp and drove the amphibious tractor to a place of relative safety. Although he was one of the most seriously wounded Marines, he refused treatment until all of the other Marines were removed from the vehicle and treated. By his extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme dangers, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Lockhart reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.