The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal James Lee Spencer, Jr. (MCSN: 2324335), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an 81-mm. Mortar Forward Observer with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 February 1968, the Second Platoon was heavily engaged with North Vietnamese Army forces in the city of Hue. Suddenly the Marines came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, which pinned down the platoon. In the initial burst of fire, the platoon commander, platoon sergeant and the unit’s Corpsman were killed and several other members of the platoon were wounded. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Spencer immediately assumed command of the platoon. Directing three Marines to accompany him, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he ran forward and secured a building near the casualties. Skillfully establishing a base of fire while organizing a rescue party, Lance Corporal Spencer, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved toward a wounded Marine who lay in the fire-swept street. Immediately receiving a heavy volume of enemy machine gun fire, he halted and, from the center of the street, killed the enemy gunner with accurate rifle fire. Picking up the wounded Marine, he carried him to the building and, on two subsequent occasions, ignored the hostile fire while carrying injured comrades to safety. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exceptional courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Spencer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.