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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class James Stephen Upton, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Upton distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 6 December 1968 while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 52d Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting search and clear operations near Landing Zone BOWMAN when an enemy booby trap was discovered. While attempting to detonate the device, several members of the friendly unit came under intense hostile fire from a well-concealed enemy force. Noticing that a nearby machinegunner was not employing his weapon, Specialist Upton maneuvered to the position and found the man to be seriously wounded. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Specialist Upton secured the machinegun and began placing effective suppressive fire on the insurgents as he assisted the casualty back to a more secure location. As the men moved toward safety, an enemy hand grenade bounced off the chest of the wounded machinegunner and fell to the ground. Reacting instantly, Specialist Upton grabbed the grenade and threw it back at the insurgents, killing one enemy soldier. At this time, another hand grenade exploded, seriously wounding Specialist Upton. His courageous and timely actions served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and were highly instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. Specialist Upton’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.