The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James R. Rike (MCSN: 625389), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 June 1951. When the assault platoon to which his section was attached was subjected to withering enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire during the attack against a well-fortified hill position, Sergeant Rike bravely exposed himself to the hostile fire and skillfully maneuvered his guns to advantageous firing positions. Although painfully wounded during the early stages of the assault, he refused medical attention and continued to shout words of encouragement to his men and direct their fire against the enemy. By his outstanding courage, exemplary leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Rike materially aided the platoon in seizing the objective and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.