The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James R. Ward, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 21 April 1969, Company G was occupying a defensive position in enemy-controlled territory northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a vicious ground attack from a hostile force supported by grenades, mortar and machine gun fire, and satchel charges. During the initial moments of the engagement, the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, having penetrated a section of the defensive perimeter near a fighting hold occupied by Private First Class Ward and two companions, commenced throwing grenades in all directions. Although the Marines were momentarily stunned by the concussion of a rocket-propelled grenade which detonated a foot away, they were able to jump away when a hand grenade landed in their emplacement. Immediately endangered by another grenade thrown at them, Private First Class Ward reacted instantly and although fully aware of the probable consequences of his act, completely disregarded his own safety as he threw himself across the body of the man nearest the lethal object, thus absorbing the full effects of its detonation. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and saved his fellow Marines from serious injury or possible death. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Ward upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.