The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James P. Metzler (MCSN: 0-9735), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 February to 17 March 1951. With his battalion assigned the mission of attacking and seizing a precipitous ridge controlling the main supply route and terrain north and west of Hoengsong, Major Metzler moved forward in the advance along a narrow and treacherous slope towards the objective when heavy enemy small arms, mortar and automatic weapons fire from commanding ground pinned down the leading assault company. Aware that the devastating fire was inflicting heavy casualties, he voluntarily maneuvered through the intense barrage to a position in front of his own lines where he could coordinate an effective attack and bring accurate supporting fires to bear on the hostile positions. With the assaulting forces dangerously depleted under the blistering fire, Major Metzler personally organized an enveloping movement composed of a platoon of the support company and remaining elements of the assault companies and, leading a brilliantly executed maneuver, succeeded in overrunning the objective with a minimum of casualties among his units. By his aggressive and determined leadership, daring combat tactics and cool courage throughout this period of intensive combat, Major Metzler served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.