The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James T. Cannon, Jr. (MCSN: 1662890), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant With Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 August 1969, during Operation IDAHO CANYON, Staff Sergeant Cannon was moving with his platoon up a heavily-wooded hill northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base when the Marines came under an extremely heavy volume of rocket-propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from a company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying a well-concealed bunker complex. After the initial fire fight failed to penetrate the enemy’s defense, the platoon withdrew to rearm and regroup for another attack. During the second assault, Staff Sergeant Cannon completely disregarded his own safety as he repeatedly braved the hostile fire while directing his men to firing positions as he skillfully maneuvered the Marines to the crest of the hill. Although seriously wounded during the engagement, he gallantly continued to direct the actions of his men, who were now receiving North Vietnamese fire from three sides of their position, until all of the platoon’s ammunition was expended, and then led the Marines to an area where they again rearmed. Despite his painful injuries, Staff Sergeant Cannon resolutely led his men in a third assault against the well-entrenched hostile force until supporting arms fire was obtained and directed on the enemy emplacements. Only after ensuring that another Marine was briefed and would assume command of the platoon and that all of the casualties were evacuated would he then allow medical evacuation for himself. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Cannon inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.