The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Matthew Wandro (MCSN: 2482623), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 11 June 1969, Company C was part of the battalion perimeter security located two miles northwest of the An Hoa Combat Base in Quang Nam Province. Suddenly its sector came under attack from a three company-sized North Vietnamese Army force supported by intense mortar, rocket, and small arms fire. As the attack continued, Private First Class Wandro’s squad leader left his position to check the lines and was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Private First Class Wandro, having informed the platoon commander that he was going to check the lines himself, boldly left his relatively safe position and, taking several grenades with him, began to crawl across an open, plowed field towards the lines. When several of the entrenched enemy began throwing grenades at him, he fearlessly returned fire with his rifle and hurled grenades at the North Vietnamese Army soldiers as he changed direction to close with them. Moving to within twelve feet of the hostile positions, he killed three enemy soldiers before he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the repulsing of the enemy force. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Wandro upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.