The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James Mike Hayes (MCSN: 0-94769), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Forward Observer with the First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, during Operation UNION, Second Lieutenant Hayes was attached to the Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines. While assaulting a fortified enemy position the platoon was subjected to a continuous, heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire killing the platoon commander. Reacting instantly, he assumed command of the platoon and quickly redeployed his men to bring more effective fire to bear on the entrenched Viet Cong. Fearlessly exposing himself to the concentrated hostile fire, he moved from one positions to another, encouraging his men and directing their fire. Throughout the day-long fire fight, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire directing his men and calling effective artillery fire on the enemy positions, which enabled the wounded to be moved to relative safety and blocked the enemy’s advance until reinforcements could arrive. His heroic and tireless actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed materially to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Second Lieutenant Hayes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.