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 Private First Class James Allen Cran (ASN: RA-19658125), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force on 14 March 1967, while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On this date, Company A was conducting a search and destroy operation west of Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, when the lead element of the company came under intense enemy fire. Failing to penetrate the lead element, the enemy shifted their attack to the rear in an attempt to envelop the company. Private First Class Cran’s fire team, being the rear element, fought valiantly to prevent the enemy from breaking through. As the hostile force began massive human wave attacks upon the company, Private First Class Cran picked up a radio from a fallen comrade and called for assistance. When the enemy heard his voice, they concentrated their attacks on his position. Five enemy soldiers rushed the fire team but were eliminated when Private First Class Cran countered with a heavy volume of fire. Unable to get help, he took up a position from behind a log, only to be attacked by another enemy soldier. Private First Class Cran again defended himself successfully and continued to carry on the fight with unparalleled determination and bravery. When morning came, his comrades found his lying mortally wounded, along with four of the enemy he had eliminated. His supreme sacrifice, a consequence of his matchless gallantry and unyielding dedication to duty, is in keeping with the loftiest traditions of the American Soldier and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.