The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Lance Corporal] James G. Kahabka (MCSN: 2408062), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 February 1969, Corporal Kahabka was participating in a road clearing operation in Quang Nam Province when his platoon came under a heavy volume of mortar and small arms fire from a hostile force occupying well-concealed emplacements. Reacting instantly, Corporal Kahabka, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced delivering fire at the enemy positions. Although his assistant machine gunner was seriously wounded, Corporal Kahabka boldly charged across the fire-swept terrain and aggressively assaulted a hostile emplacement, killing two enemy soldiers and destroying the position. Seemingly ignoring the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he then fearlessly attacked a second hostile emplacement and killed another enemy soldier. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Kahabka contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.