The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal James G. Shaw (MCSN: 2356774), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery D, Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 August 1968, Lance Corporal Shaw was serving as a Forward Observer with Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, during a search and destroy operation approximately four miles northeast of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under intense hostile fire. In the initial contact with the enemy, his squad was cut off from the company and became engaged in a fierce small arms and hand grenade battle with a North Vietnamese Army battalion. When a hand grenade landed near several of his comrades, Lance Corporal Shaw unhesitatingly picked it up, and as he threw the grenade toward the enemy it exploded. Although he was seriously wounded when the grenade exploded, his prompt and courageous actions prevented serious injury or possible death to his fellow Marines. Subsequently, when the Marines attempted to evacuate Lance Corporal Shaw on a stretcher, they encountered enemy resistance and were unable to maneuver rapidly across the rough terrain. In an effort to expedite the unit’s movement from the hazardous area, Lance Corporal Shaw, completely disregarding the pain of his wounds, climbed off the stretcher and negotiated the difficult terrain on foot. His resolute determination and sincere concern for the safety of his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and contributed to the high morale and esprit de corps of his unit. By his courage, indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Lance Corporal Shaw upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.