The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam, on 21 June 1964. As a Senior Advisor to a battalion of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam, Major Lindsay was accompanying the friendly forces on a military mission when they were suddenly ambushed by an enemy element. During the ensuing battle, he displayed determination, professional skill, and fortitude by exposing himself to the intense gun fire to estimate the situation and to recommend appropriate action to his counterpart. Then, when a grenade was dropped directly behind a friendly company, he rushed into the open under heavy weapons fire to direct an air strike by supporting aircraft which succeeded in halting the enemy action. When the battle subsided at nightfall, he organized and controlled the helicopter evacuation of the wounded and dead. His courageous conduct, perseverance, and personal example inspired the Vietnamese forces and assisted them in annihilating a great number of enemy troops. Major Lindsay’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action during the period 31 May 1968 to 4 June 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. While leading his battalion on a reconnaissance in force mission in the east central portion of the Plain of Reeds on 1 June, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay skillfully established contact with a Viet Cong element that had been sighted in a nearby wooded area. Coming into an intense barrage of hostile fire at the landing zone, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay instructed his pilot to land. He moved across open rice paddies to the front of his assaulting company, displaying an excellent example of heroism to his untested junior officers. Later, to prevent the enemy’s escape, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay personally led his battalion under fire to a new blocking position. Again, on 3 June, he deployed his battalion into a landing zone to flank a recently sighted enemy force. Moving on the ground, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay placed himself in a critical area to personally influence the action and urge his men to follow. His leadership, including his personal assault of a bunker complex and his direction and coordination of artillery support, resulted in the deaths of more than 250 insurgent soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against the Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Joseph Lindsay (ASN: 0-75235), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 and 18 June 1968, while serving as Commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a combat mission northeast of Cai Lai, Vietnam. A rifle company he deployed into the area to seek out an enemy force came under heavy fire from a woodline. After directing artillery and gunship fire against the enemy positions, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay quickly inserted another company to block off an escape route. When this unit also came under heavy fire, he immediately deployed the remaining elements to cope with the large enemy force and gained operational control of another rifle company. Despite an intense volume of hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay ordered his helicopter to land in the battle area so that he could personally direct the tactical employment of his ground forces. After engineering the encirclement of the insurgent forces, Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay personally adjusted artillery fire and airstrikes on the enemy, often bringing the hazardous fire within 100 meters of his own position. A sweep of the area the following day revealed 64 bodies, 24 weapons, one prisoner of war and two detainees. Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.