The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James A. Shaw (MCSN: 614499), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 8 January 1966 while serving as Platoon Sergeant, Second Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a search and destroy mission, Staff Sergeant Shaw’s platoon was crossing a rice paddy when it was taken under enemy small arms fire. Having already crossed the rice paddy, Staff Sergeant Shaw observed a wounded Marine about 140 meters from dry ground. With complete disregard for his own safety, he unhesitatingly re-entered the paddy and went to the fallen Marine’s aid. Although the small arms fire increased as he reached the victim, he steadily inched their way out of the field, dragging the man to dry ground and safety. By his undaunted courage and daring actions, Staff Sergeant Shaw undoubtedly saved his fellow Marine from certain death; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.