The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal [then Private First Class] James B. Jenkins (ASN: RA-14313612), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Jenkins distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Shindo, Korea, on 14 September 1950. When his company’s attack on a heavily fortified enemy hill position was suddenly halted by an extremely heavy and accurate mortar barrage, a platoon of tanks was sent forward to give support. Realizing that the tanks would be unable to observe the enemy and their concealed emplacements, Corporal Jenkins abandoned all cover and moved through the intense enemy fire to an open field where the tanks had taken up position. Then, with the use of the external tank phone, he proceeded to direct the fire of the tank. As the tanks moved forward, he – alone and exposed – remained but a few feet behind the lead tank, and totally disregarding the hail of enemy mortar fire that was falling around him, continued to give directions and point out enemy emplacements until the near miss of a mortar shell knocked him unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he still refused to abandon his vulnerable position, fearlessly resumed carrying out his self-appointed mission. Through his outstanding courage and aggressive action against overwhelming odds, Corporal Jenkins was directly responsible for the complete annihilation of an enemy strongpoint and the successful occupation of his unit’s objective. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Jenkins on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.