The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Second Lieutenant James B. Scuras (MCSN: 0-93426), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On 24 March 1967, while on a search and clear mission during Operation NEW CASTLE in the vicinity of Phu An (2), Duc Duc District in Quang Nam Province, Company F was assaulting an enemy position and came under intense enemy mortar, recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire. Displaying exceptional professional skill, Second Lieutenant Scuras deployed his platoon in a flanking maneuver toward the enemy position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Second Lieutenant Scuras fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile fire as he directed his men across 300 meters of open terrain to a covered position from which they could attain fire superiority. After deploying his men into effective firing positions, he led a fire team back across the exposed rice paddy to assist in evacuating the wounded men. As soon as the wounded had been moved to a more secure area, Second Lieutenant Scuras returned to his forward position and led his men in an aggressive and courageous assault, overrunning the enemy position and causing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. His resolute courage and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Second Lieutenant Scuras’ exceptional professionalism, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Second Lieutenant Scuras is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
December 20, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James Burton Scuras (MCSN: 0-93426), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 December 1966. During a search and clear operation in Quang Nam Province, Second Lieutenant Scuras’ platoon was assigned the lead position as Company FR moved forward to join two companies heavily engaged with a large Viet Cong force. Immediately after crossing the Song Ba Ren River, Company F came under an intense attack by the enemy using automatic weapons and 82-mm. mortar fire. While maneuvering his unit toward the enemy, Second Lieutenant Scuras sustained a severe wound in his right leg. Exhibiting an unrelenting fighting spirit and dogged determination, he quickly improvised a support for his leg and continued to lead and encourage his men in their advance. His fortitude and inspiring leadership contributed significantly to overrunning the enemy positions and establishing contact with the other two companies. Forced to wait several hours for medical evacuation helicopters because of the heavy volume of fire, Second Lieutenant Scuras, with complete disregard for his own painful wound, gave aid and comfort to the other wounded Marines. When it was possible for the helicopters to land, he gallantly refused evacuation until all the other wounded had been lifted out of the battle area. Second Lieutenant Scuras’ heroic actions and dauntless determination were an inspiration to all who observed him, and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional leadership, fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Scuras upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.