The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James W. Hart, Jr. (MCSN: 0-2239759), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Radioman with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 May 1967 during Operation Prairie IV, Corporal Hart’s company was conducting a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when it came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and grenade attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire to provide covering fire for an assault on an enemy position entrenched in a tree line. Although he sustained fragmentary wounds in the leg, he aggressively advanced toward the tree line, firing his weapon and encouraging the fire team which was following him. As he reached the assault, he was seriously wounded in the head by an enemy round which penetrated his helmet. Ignoring his painful wounds, Corporal Hart continued to deliver effective covering fire while his companions assaulted and destroyed the enemy emplacement. His bold fighting spirit and exceptional endurance inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Corporal Hart upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.