The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Erin Page (MCSN: 0-68990), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, Battalion Landing Team, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 December 1965, during Operation HARVEST MOON in Quang Tin Province, Captain Page and the lead elements of his Company were lifted by helicopter to a supposedly secure landing zone. Upon debarkation, however, the Marines were pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire delivered by a numerically superior enemy force. Though painfully wounded in the abdomen, Captain Page selflessly continued to direct the fire and maneuver of his men. As a result of his exceptional professional skill, especially in the use of supporting arms, he managed to inflict casualties on the enemy while holding friendly casualties to a minimum. By effectively reorganizing his beleaguered unit, he enabled them to withstand the constant enemy pressure until relief arrived, ten hours later. By his heroic actions, superior professional ability and inspiring leadership throughout, Captain Page was instrumental in averting potential disaster and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.