The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James Russell Hester (MCSN: 2132683), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 June 1967. While conducting a search and destroy mission in Quang Tin Province during Operation UNION II, Company F was suddenly subjected to enemy mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire while moving across a rice paddy, temporarily pinning down the first platoon and inflicting numerous casualties. Quickly determining the source of the intense hostile fire, Corporal Hester, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire while courageously leading his five man squad in an aggressive assault that completely destroyed an enemy machine gun position. Immediately, another enemy machine gun opened fire, inflicting additional Marine casualties. When two men from his squad were wounded as they moved to destroy the position, Corporal Hester fearlessly advanced under heavy fire in a single-handed assault on the enemy position. Delivering a steady and accurate volume of fire, he routed the enemy and destroyed their position. Although painfully wounded during this daring assault, he continued to pursue the enemy by fire, facilitating the treatment and evacuation of his wounded companions. By his fearless initiative, dauntless courage and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Hester was instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.