The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James G. Wicks (MCSN: 2347323), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Machine Gun Section Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 August 1968, during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST, Company E was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire and a hand grenade attack from a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Corporal Wicks reorganized his men and directed the fire of his machine gun on the hostile soldiers. Although painfully wounded, he steadfastly refused medical aid and directed the corpsmen to assist the more seriously injured Marines. Realizing his weapons were becoming dangerously low of ammunition, Corporal Wicks fearlessly exposed himself to the heavy volume of enemy fire and boldly crossed one hundred meters of fire-swept terrain to obtain additional ordnance. Swiftly returning to his Marines, he distributed the vital ammunition and, shouting words of encouragement to his men, directed an increased volume of fire against the enemy positions. Alertly observing that one of his machine guns had malfunctioned, he swiftly moved to the aid of the gunner, and ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near them, he expertly cleared the stoppage and returned the weapon to action. Continuing his determined efforts, Corporal Wicks exposed himself to the enemy fire as he individually assaulted a hostile sniper position, and hurling a hand grenade into the emplacement, killed the enemy soldiers. His daring initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Wicks upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.