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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Warren Kirk (ASN: OF-109750), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military actions involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Kirk distinguished himself by valorous actions on 14 February 1968, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Despite heavy enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, Lieutenant Kirk ran 100 meters through an open rice paddy to assist in evacuating a stricken helicopter’s crew members, exposing himself to draw the insurgents’ fire from the craft. First Lieutenant Kirk’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    39th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1968
    Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5671 (July 12, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Warren Kirk (ASN: OF-109750), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Kirk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 May 1968, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission in the vicinity of Saigon, Vietnam. An armored personnel carrier was struck by a rocket and set afire. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Kirk ran across an expanse of open ground under heavy fire to the burning track. After providing a heavy volume of covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded, Lieutenant Kirk pulled the last casualty 100 meters to the rear of the disabled vehicle. First Lieutenant Kirk’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.