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 E. Baygents (ASN: RA-44145588), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On this date while visiting a friendly unit, Sergeant Baygents learned that the unit was in the process of assaulting heavily defended and well emplaced enemy bunkers. Voluntarily and without hesitating, he secured a rifle and joined elements of the company in the attack. Ignoring the vehement fire placed upon him by the hostile force, Sergeant Baygents exposed himself constantly in order to draw the enemy’s fire away from his comrades. His act being successful, his comrades were enabled to position themselves at an advantageous point from which they directed heavy fire upon the enemy forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them and forcing them to withdraw. His courageous and voluntary actions were an inspiration to all who observed his act, and were highly responsible for the success of the friendly unit in accomplishing its mission. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Baygents on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.