The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James A. Winfrey (MCSN: 2458900), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 August 1969, during Operation Idaho Canyon, Corporal Winfrey was a member of a reaction force which had been directed to proceed to the aid of another unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army unit northwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base. As his patrol ascended a heavily-wooded hill, the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a hostile force occupying a well-concealed bunker complex. Observing two of his companions lying wounded and unable to move due to the vicious enemy fire, and unwilling to watch helplessly while the casualties suffered, Corporal Winfrey positioned his team in covered fighting positions. Directing them to provide protective fire, he completely disregarded his own safety as he ran across the open area in the face of concentrated North Vietnamese fire and began to drag one of the casualties to safety. Although extensively wounded while performing this heroic act, he ignored his painful injury and, exerting a supreme effort, continued to move his wounded companion toward a covered position until he fell and succumbed to his injuries. By his courageous fortitude, selfless determination and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Winfrey inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.