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 Specialist Fourth Class James B. O’Keeffe (ASN: RA-11705508), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class O’Keeffe distinguished himself by heroic actions on 17 January 1969, while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Troop A, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation in the Boi Loi Woods, Troop A came under an intense hostile attack. During the initial contact, an armored personnel carrier was struck by several rocket propelled grenades, wounding the crew. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist O’Keeffe exposed himself to a heavy volume of fire as he dismounted his vehicle and moved to the aid of his wounded comrades. As he neared the burning APC, Specialist O’Keeffe killed a Viet Cong soldier who was preparing to fire at the vehicle. Reaching the beleaguered APC, Specialist O’Keeffe evacuated the wounded men to safety. As his unit was withdrawing, an APC covering the flank was struck by an RPG. As he reached the damaged vehicle, Specialist O’Keeffe killed an enemy soldier who was moving towards his position. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission, and the defeat of the hostile force. Specialist O’Keeffe’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.