The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then First Lieutenant] James Vincent DiBernardo (MCSN: 0-96540/1379343), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from February to August 1968. Soon after Captain DiBernardo’s capture, he and a group of prisoners began their journey to a permanent installation. During this period, he exerted himself in a positive leadership capacity, maintaining the military organization of the men at all times. In the first of the temporary camps which the group was to occupy, he instructed his group to resist against providing anything more than the most basic biographical information. Although subjected to routine cruelties for refusal to cooperate, Captain DiBernardo continued to provide leadership and guidance for his group. Through his professionalism and dedication to duty, Captain DiBernardo reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]