The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal James P. McCormick (MCSN: 2289865), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Antitank Assault Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 April 1968, Company G was assaulting a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions on Hill 700 near the Khe Sanh Combat Base when the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of small arms and mortar fire and sustained numerous casualties. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal McCormick expeditiously maneuvered his squad to a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire in order to provide security for the company’s left flank. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he repeatedly advanced across the fire-swept terrain while assisting casualties through the intense enemy fire to covered positions. Disregarding his own safety, he aggressively assaulted hostile bunkers on two occasions and was instrumental in destroying the enemy emplacements. Later that day, he boldly took charge of his platoon and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, skillfully directed them in an orderly withdrawal to the relative safety of the battalion perimeter. His timely and heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal McCormick contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.