The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James M. Messer (MCSN: 0-108392), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 13 September 1969, Second Lieutenant Messer’s platoon was the point element for Company L when the Marines came under intense fire from a reinforced squad of North Vietnamese Army soldiers concealed in well-fortified bunkers located on high ground to the Marines’ front. The initial burst of automatic weapons fire, which killed the company executive officer and painfully wounded Second Lieutenant Messer was immediately followed by numerous concussion grenades which kept the platoon pinned down and unable to return fire. On two separate occasions, Second Lieutenant Messer attempted to rise and assess the situation and was knocked down by the concussion of the exploding grenades. Immediately following the grenades, the enemy began firing 82-mm. mortar rounds on the company, severely wounding the company commander. Fearlessly disregarding the enemy fire, Second Lieutenant Messer assumed command of the company, organized an assault force, and courageously attacked the enemy position atop the hill. Shouting encouragement to his men and firing at the enemy he led the assault, he inspired his men and succeeded in routing the enemy from their position. After ensuring the consolidation of the objective, he organized and directed the evacuation of the wounded, and refusing evacuation himself, directed continuous air support throughout the remainder of the night, denying the enemy the opportunity to launch a counterattack. By his heroic imitative, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Messer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.