The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) James R. Kersey, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Kersey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while participating in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 October 1969, while serving as Battery Commander with Battery C, 2d Battalion, 17th Artillery Regiment. On that date, an unknown number of North Vietnamese regulars attacked Firebase ANNIE, delivering intense mortar and recoilless rifle fire on the camp. Captain Kersey, with complete disregard for his own safety, positioned himself between two 105-mm. howitzers and, ignoring the enemy barrage, effectively supervised suppressive fire which thwarted the attack. Within thirty minutes, however, the enemy again began firing on the base. Captain Kersey spotted the hostile position, and engaged it with deadly .50 caliber machine gun fire, again forcing the enemy soldiers to retreat and break contact. As a direct result of his quick thinking and composure under fire, the battery was able to repel the attacks. Captain Kersey’s gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.