The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James William Reali (MCSN: 2423345), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Scout Dog Handler attached to Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1969, Company K was participating in Operation OKLAHOMA HILLS southwest of DaNang when the lead platoon was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire from a well concealed enemy force. Completely ignoring his own safety, Corporal Reali fearlessly assumed a kneeling position and delivered accurate fire at the hostile emplacements, killing two of the North Vietnamese soldiers. Observing an enemy hand grenade land near several companions, he unhesitatingly dived for the grenade and hurled it away from them. Although seriously wounded in the arm by the detonation of the explosive device, he steadfastly refused medical aid and continued to fire at the hostile soldiers, thereby enabling his company to assault the North Vietnamese positions and rout the enemy. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Reali inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.