The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal James Patrick Proctor (MCSN: 2124481), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 July 1967. Lance Corporal Proctor’s squad was part of the lead element in a battalion-sized search and destroy operation, just south of the Demilitarized Zone in Quang Tri Province, when the point was taken under intense small arms, automatic weapons and machine gun fire, which restricted movement and inflicted several casualties. It was necessary to cross a road and a large open area covered by the cross fire of two enemy machine guns to reach the wounded. Reacting instinctively, Lance Corporal Proctor immediately maneuvered his squad forward to a position from which he could establish an effective base of fire. Reaching his objective, he realized he could not provide supporting fire for the wounded from this position and unhesitatingly led his squad through the enemy field of fire to a more advantageous position. Although still dangerously exposed to the enemy, he quickly deployed his men, and began delivering a heavy volume of suppressive fire at the enemy. Fearlessly disregarding the withering enemy fire, he moved from one position to another checking his men, ensuring each had the best covered firing position possible. Having established an effective base of fire, Lance Corporal Proctor proceeded to evacuate the wounded, some of whom lay within ten meters of the enemy positions. He courageously negotiated the murderous enemy cross fire three times to evacuate wounded Marines to safety, before he fell fatally wounded by machine gun fire. His daring actions, professionalism, and cool courage in the face of grave personal danger and his deep compassion for his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.