The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James N. Byers, IV (MCSN: 0-104543), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 September 1968, Second Lieutenant Byers’ platoon was preparing for a patrol when the company defensive position came under a coordinated mortar and ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force utilizing automatic weapons, hand grenades and satchel charges. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant Byers unhesitatingly led his men to defensive positions on the company’s flank and commenced to direct their delivery of a heavy volume of fire against the advancing enemy, halting their assault. Fearlessly exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he maneuvered throughout the hazardous area encouraging his men and adjusting artillery and mortar fire on the retreating North Vietnamese, thereby denying them the opportunity to regroup for another attack. Completely disregarding his own safety, he subsequently led a patrol in search of several Marines who had been isolated when a section of the company perimeter had been overrun. Despite coming under intense hostile fire, he fearlessly directed his platoon in forcing the remaining enemy soldiers from the area, enabling his beleaguered comrades to rejoin their unit. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Byers inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.