The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James E. Ragsdale, Jr. (MCSN: 1091213), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 July 1952. Discovering that one of his men was missing while reorganizing his squad after an assault on a strongly fortified enemy position, Corporal Ragsdale courageously exposed himself to intense hostile fire in an effort to find the missing man. Although wounded himself during the attack, he succeeded in locating the wounded Marine and aided in carrying him back to friendly lines. By his exceptional courage, coolness under fire and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Ragsdale served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.