The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James T. Grantham (MCSN: 1951293), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 January 1967, Sergeant Grantham’s squad was serving as the point during a company patrol when a cache of North Vietnamese Army packs, grenades, document and other items of equipment were discovered. Realizing that the enemy was undoubtedly near, he effectively positioned his men in the surrounding jungle and began to reconnoiter the area. After discovering a train complex, Sergeant Grantham observed an enemy soldier preparing to fire at him. With exceptional presence of mine, he fired his rifle from the hip, killing the enemy. Simultaneously, a machine gun from the right flank opened fire from a well concealed and fortified bunker. Falling to the ground, Sergeant Grantham and his radio operator returned effective fire until a machine gun burst wounded him in the head and killed the radioman. Reporting the situation to his platoon leader, he refused assistance, realizing the approach path to his location was covered by the enemy weapon. Continuing to return accurate fire, Sergeant Grantham succeeded in killing the North Vietnamese soldiers manning the machine gun which resulted in neutralizing the emplacement. Through his heroic actions, his patrol captured numerous weapons, equipment and documents which provided valuable intelligence for future operations. By his exceptional presence of mind, courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Grantham upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.