The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James A. Kontos (ASN: US-51012907), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 8 July 1953, Private Kontos was assigned to a listening post of a strategic section of the friendly main line of resistance in the vicinity of Chungmoksil, Korea. As an enemy soldier approached his position, he remained concealed, waiting for the main body of enemy troops. Soon after, the enemy charged the listening post in platoon strength in a sweeping assault. Private Kontos braved the ensuing intense volley of fire and hurled grenades at the oncoming enemy troops, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. As the numerically superior enemy troops overran his position, he withdrew to a more tenable location. As he was moving back toward the friendly lines, he located a wounded comrade. He immediately rendered aid to the casualty and gave covering fire until help could be procured. When aid arrived, he assisted in evacuating the casualty through the intense fire to the friendly lines. Private Kontos’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.