The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James R. Chapman, Jr. (MCSN: 1045444), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Combat Patrol Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 – 15 January 1953. When his patrol leader fell mortally wounded by a sudden hail of hostile small arms and grenade fire during an action well forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Chapman, although painfully wounded himself, unhesitatingly reorganized the patrol and set up effective covering fire for the removal of the other wounded Marines to sheltered positions. After the casualties were removed to areas of comparative safety, he bravely crawled forward under the devastating hostile fire within ten yards of the enemy’s fortified position in an attempt to recover his leader. While still exposed to hostile fire, he returned to the position of his wounded comrades and steadfastly refused to be evacuated until his men had received medical aid. After his own wounds were treated at the aid station, he again returned to the platoon’s position. By his courageous leadership, resolute determination and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Chapman contributed materially to the success of the patrol’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.