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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class James Arthur Loux, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 1099th Transportation Company, 159th Transportation Battalion, 4th Transportation Command, 1st Logistic Command, in action on 26 March 1971, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Loux distinguished himself as a seaman aboard a river boat transporting aviation fuel in support of combat operations near Cho Thu Bay village. His boat struck an enemy mine, engulfing the boat in flames. By this time the boat convoy was caught in a deadly crossfire, directed from both banks of the canal. Immediately Specialist Loux raced to the roof of the boat and began placing accurate machine gun fire upon the foe. Ignoring his own painful burns, Specialist Loux continued to fire upon the hostile force until they broke contact, enabling the remaining boats to proceed to their destination. Moments later, Specialist Loux was evacuated to the Third Surgical Hospital at Binh Thuy, where he succumbed to his wounds on 5 April 1971. Specialist Fourth Class Loux’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.