The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James Martin Callender (MCSN: 0-8570), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the advance from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri, Korea, on the night of 6 – 7 December 1950. With his fire direction center split into three echelons, one of each firing battery, and the fire direction center he was operating under heavy enemy mortar, grenade, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, Major Callender repeatedly braved intense hostile fire to supervise the placing of howitzers into direct firing positions. In addition to assuming command of another battery which moved into an adjacent position after being held up by a large motor convoy, he organized a firing line, composed of his own personnel and drivers of vehicles along the road, to meet the anticipated enemy assault on the trucks and batteries. Coolly and efficiently directing counterfire during the ensuing hostile attack, he moved among the emplacements of both batteries, pointing out targets and encouraging the gunners. Refusing medical aid for his wounds inflicted by hostile mortar fire early in the action, he steadfastly continued to direct effective fire and inspire the men around him to greater efforts and thereby succeeded in defending the position. His inspiring leadership and courage in the face of vigorous enemy opposition were contributing factors in saving the convoy from almost certain destruction and in preventing the hostile troops from establishing a roadblock which would have temporarily cut off elements of the division from their objective. His gallant efforts and indomitable devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Major Callender and the United States Naval Service.