The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James M. Sanders (MCSN: 0-93764), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Aerial Observer with the Aerial Observation Unit, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 February 1968, First Lieutenant Sanders was aboard an O-1G observation aircraft approximately five miles southwest of DaNang in Quang Nam Province, when he monitored a radio report from supporting United States Army UH-1D helicopters concerning a combined action unit that was in imminent danger of being overrun. The beleaguered unit, surrounded by an estimated regiment of North Vietnamese Army Regulars, had sustained sixteen casualties and the remaining thirty members of the unit were dangerously low of ammunition. Aware that fixed wing air support and a helicopter extraction would be necessary to save the besieged force, First Lieutenant Sanders informed the Army pilots that he was proceeding to the area. Upon learning that two Marine CH-46 transport helicopters were available to attempt the extraction, he instructed the pilots to orbit in a nearby area. While awaiting the arrival of the fixed wing aircraft, he directed his pilot to make low-level passes over the enemy positions. Disregarding the heavy volume of anti-aircraft fire concentrated against his aircraft, he continued to observe hostile fire and mark the locations of the North Vietnamese weapons emplacements. Upon the arrival of the fixed wing aircraft, he informed the pilots of the location of the besieged unit and directed the deliver of their ordnance against the enemy. When hostile fire was sufficiently suppressed, he dropped a smoke grenade which marked the location of the landing area. As the helicopter pilots began entering the hostile area, he continued to brave enemy fire to effectively direct the supporting fire of fixed wing air strikes covering the helicopters. Observing recoilless rifle rounds impacting in the landing zone, he unhesitatingly directed his pilot to make another pass over the hazardous, fire-swept area and successfully pinpointed the enemy weapons positions for supporting fixed wing aircraft. As a result of his aggressive fighting spirit and resolute determination, the combined action unit was safely extracted, undoubtedly saving numerous lives. By his exemplary courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Sanders upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.