Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain James H. R. Curd (MCSN: 0-70637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1967, the First Battalion was conducting a search and destroy operation when the lead company became heavily engaged with a large enemy force occupying fortified positions in the village of Phu An and was ordered to withdraw to facilitate the employment of supporting artillery fires and air strikes. Directed to assist in the evacuation of casualties before launching an attack against the entrenched enemy, Captain Curd skillfully maneuvered his men forward and was wounded in both legs. Ignoring his painful injuries, he ensured that all wounded were expeditiously evacuated from the hazardous area. Upon completion of air strikes, Captain Curd launched a determined assault on the enemy, repeatedly exposing himself to intense fire as he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept area shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire. Although half of the objective had been seized by nightfall, he was ordered to withdraw because the area contained numerous tunnels which the enemy could use for infiltration. Unhesitatingly adjusting artillery fire to within thirty meters of his position, he directed his company in an orderly withdrawal from the village. Despite the severe pain of his wounds, he refused medical evacuation in order to lead a second attack the following morning. Although the enemy had withdrawn from the village, he steadfastly remained with his company and maneuvered his men across 5,000 meters to a second objective before he was evacuated. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his company accounting for forty-seven North Vietnamese soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Curd upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James H. R. Curd (MCSN: 0-70637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 March 1967, Company C, as the lead element engaged in a battalion-sized search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Con Thien, was moving north toward the Demilitarized Zone when it came under heavy mortar and artillery fire followed by a determined attack by an estimated company-sized North Vietnamese Army force. Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire, Captain Curd repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he skillfully employed his men, directed their delivery of maximum fire, and ably employed supporting arms to repulse the North Vietnamese attack, killing thirty-five enemy soldiers and capturing forty weapons. Later that evening, another hostile company launched a vicious attack against his unit’s position. Ignoring the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, Captain Curd boldly led his men in such aggressive actions that the North Vietnamese were forced to break contact and withdraw having suffered thirty soldiers killed. The following day, Company C was the point element as the battalion moved toward its objective and again came under intense fire from a well-entrenched, reinforced North Vietnamese Army company. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Curd remained oblivious to the enemy mortar rounds impacting and exploding near him as he skillfully executed a series of aggressive and decisive actions which enabled his men to overrun the hostile positions and inflict heavy losses upon the enemy. His heroic actions and dynamic leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Curd upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.