The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James R. Bender (ASN: RA-16249924), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On that date, a strong enemy force succeeded in surrounding and ambushing a platoon of the rifle company to which he was attached as an aid man. The platoon withdrew in haste and left behind a wounded and shocked comrade who was unable to move. On learning this, Private Bender rushed back to the wounded soldier and then under intense enemy fire, led him across the hazardous terrain to the safety of friendly lines. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty and to his comrades displayed by Private Bender on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.