The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Jimmy P. Sanchez (MCSN: 2072279), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a Fire Team Leader of the Third Platoon, Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam during Operation Utah on 5 March 1966. When another fire team from the Third Platoon received two casualties and became pinned down by heavy enemy automatic rifle fire and hand grenades, Corporal Sanchez maneuvered his rifle team forward to aid the trapped fire team. He positioned his fire team in an area out of immediate danger and moved forward himself to observe the situation. In order to locate the enemy positions, he stood and exposed himself to the devastating fire until he spotted them. He then took cover and informed the trapped fire team that he intended to throw a smoke grenade to cover their maneuvers, and instantly directed his fire team to cover him by fire. With courageous disregard for his own safety, he again rose to his feet and threw the smoke grenade. Almost immediately, he was shot and killed by the enemy, but not before he had accomplished his intended purpose. The smoke grenade covered the evacuation of the two wounded Marines and a Navy corpsman, and permitted assault action by another fire team from the left flank. Corporal Sanchez gallantly sacrificed his own life in a valiant and professional effort to assist his fellow Marines. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.