The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James C. Bass (MCSN: 1151642), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 August 1952. When intense enemy fire inflicted numerous casualties on friendly forces assaulting two enemy-held hills, Sergeant Bass quickly picked up an automatic rifle from a severely wounded comrade and delivered deadly fire on the hostile positions, permitting the remaining squad members to evacuate the casualties from the hill. Although subjected to continuous enemy mortar and sniper fire, he unhesitatingly carried the wounded rifleman to a defiladed position and, reorganizing his squad, set up a hasty defense to protect the casualties until reinforcements arrived. By his skilled leadership, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Bass served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.