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 Sergeant James Francis Haider (ASN: 56565354), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Haider distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 9 June 1969 while serving with the reconnaissance platoon of Company E, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the platoon had moved into a tight defensive perimeter after two days of sporadic fighting. During this time, Sergeant Haider spotted the flash from an enemy mortar tube and immediately alerted his comrades, giving the direction and range of the hostile position. As mortar rounds began landing around the night laager position, the enemy placed heavy automatic weapons fire on the platoon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Haider maneuvered through the hostile fire to control and direct retaliatory fire. He then moved to an elevated area within the laager position where he could place more effective fire on the insurgents. Sergeant Haider remained in this exposed location until he was mortally wounded by an exploding mortar round. His courageous actions were instrumental in thwarting the enemy assault. Sergeant Haider’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.