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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James W. Simms (MCSN: 0-106294), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Second Lieutenant Simms’ platoon was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Erskine when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire supporting a vicious ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Simms fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain from one fighting position to another shouting encouragement and fire directions to his men and ensuring that all possible avenues of approach were covered by fire. Informed that three wounded Marines who had been returning to the friendly lines from an emplacement forward of the company were pinned down in a dangerously exposed position, Second Lieutenant Simms, accompanied by his radio operator, boldly left the relative security of the defensive perimeter and, with complete disregard for his own safety, maneuvered across the hazardous area to the side of the stricken men and fearlessly assisted them through the withering hostile fusillade to a covered location. Returning to the perimeter, he resolutely continued his vigorous defense of the company position and, by his inspiring leadership was instrumental in repulsing the fierce North Vietnamese Army assault. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of three fellow Marines. Second Lieutenant Simms’ courage aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    February 26, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James W. Simms (MCSN: 0-106294), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Second Lieutenant Simms platoon was participating in a mission to seize a hilltop overlooking a principal North Vietnamese Army resupply route into the A Shau Valley when the lead element came under sporadic small arms fire from enemy positions near the base of the hill. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Simms deployed his platoon into effective fighting positions and, as he initiated an aggressive assault against the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, the Marines were subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a heavily-fortified bunker complex. Alertly pinpointing a principal source of hostile fire which was temporarily slowing the momentum of the friendly advance, Second Lieutenant Simms boldly led five men through the withering enemy fusillade to envelop the position and, while boldly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, he and his men were seriously wounded by intense fire from another hostile emplacement. Rallied by his valiant actions, the remainder of the platoon charged forward and, overrunning the hostile fortifications, killed the North Vietnamese Army soldiers in the bunkers. As the Marines consolidated their position and pursued the enemy by fire, Second Lieutenant Simms was advised that the company commander had requested a medical evacuation helicopter, but, although painfully injured, he attempted to discourage this action until all hostile fire had ceased, to prevent damage to the aircraft. Later evacuated, he subsequently succumbed to his extensive wounds. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Simms upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.