The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James A. Jenkins (MCSN: 2339189), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 May 1969 during Operation Virginia Ridge, Company C was occupying a night defensive position in Quang Tri Province. Suddenly the Marines came under a fierce attack by a reinforced North Vietnamese Army platoon supported by grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Jenkins unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position and began directing the defense of the area. Continuously exposing himself to the intense volume of enemy fire, he moved through the hazardous area, distributing ammunition and shouting words of encouragement to his men. When the battle had ceased, his unit was assigned the mission of searching for enemy casualties and their equipment. Having begun the search, Lance Corporal Jenkins, sensing the presence of hostile soldiers in the area, fearlessly assumed the point position, and after his squad had moved twenty-five meters, he was mortally wounded by the detonation of a hostile rocket-propelled grenade round. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were responsible for saving the lives of the men in his squad. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Jenkins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.