The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major [then Captain] James L. Compton (MCSN: 0-71749), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam, from 13 to 15 March 1966. Major Compton led a 52-man reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy controlled territory in the vicinity of Chu Lai, maneuvering through 15,000 square meters of Viet Cong trail networks and staging areas. Skillfully leading small reconnaissance teams and establishing numerous ambushes in widely dispersed locations, he kept the enemy constantly on the move, preventing it from effectively organizing its forces. Under his aggressive leadership, his patrol succeeded in inflicting many casualties and capturing several of the enemy, while confiscating large amounts of intelligence documents and medical supplies. On the patrol’s last day, Major Compton established an observation post in the area, then led the remaining 32-man force out of the jungle to a designated helicopter landing zone. As he approached a mountain pass, he alertly halted to search for an enemy ambush and immediately came under heavy enemy fire from an estimated 60-entrenched Viet Cong. During the ensuing fire fight, Major Compton repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to direct and encourage his men. On three separate occasions he moved across open, fire-swept areas to maneuver his men and direct evacuation of the wounded. After reorganizing his patrol, he continued his advance toward the landing zone and upon reaching the designated area, again came under fire from approximately fifty enemy. Major Compton courageously directed his men into the recovery helicopter while delivering accurate fire at the assaulting Viet Cong. When one of the helicopters was unable to depart because both the pilot and copilot had been wounded, Major Compton continued to fire at the advancing enemy while he fearlessly stood guard outside the aircraft and until the copilot was able to assume control of it. After ensuring that all his men were aboard the craft, he then moved his headquarters element to the last helicopter and departed the area. Throughout, his heroic actions were instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and were a significant factor toward the accomplishment of the mission. By his aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Major Compton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.