The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James W. Slavey (MCSN: 1176622), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1952. Although painfully wounded in the leg when his platoon was subjected to a merciless barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire while participating in an attack against a heavily defended enemy hill position, Private First Class Slavey crawled to the aid of a wounded Marine lying out in the open. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, Private First Class Slavey covered the Marine’s body with his own to act as a shield for his comrade during the deadly and continuous enemy assault and, although wounded three times while engaged in this dangerous undertaking, remained to protect the wounded Marine until the firing ceased and they could be evacuated. By his undaunted bravery, daring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of his comrade while under vicious hostile fire, Private First Class Slavey contributed materially to saving the life of a fellow Marine and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.