The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant James B. Southall (MCSN: 1096838), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 14 September 1951. Volunteering to lead the assault elements of his platoon up a steep, bare, fire-swept hill during the hours of darkness, Sergeant Southall continually exposed himself to intense hostile small-arms, mortar and automatic-weapons fire in a brave attempt to dislodge stubborn enemy forces from their well entrenched positions on the crest of the vitally strategic ridge. Boldly firing his carbine as he advanced, he inflicted numerous casualties among the hostile troops and, refusing to fall back to obtain a fresh supply when his ammunition was expended, shouted words of encouragement to his men while urging them to make a final effort to reach the top of the hill. Sergeant Southall skillfully directed and coordinated effective machine-gun fire on the hostile positions until his unit, inspired by his daring leadership, charged the last 100 yards, seized the objective and killed the defending enemy troops. Although severely wounded in the wrist, he refused to be evacuated and, remaining with the platoon to organize a hasty defense of the area, aided his men throughout the night in repelling several hostile counter-attacks. By his magnificent courage, fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty throughout the intensive action, Sergeant Southall was greatly instrumental in the success achieved by his battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.