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 Specialist Fourth Class James Guy Blackshear (ASN: 53701556), United States Army, for exceptional gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 March 1968, while serving as squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company A was conducting a movement to contact mission. Specialist Blackshear took the lead himself, because of his experience and ability to spot the enemy. After observing an occupied enemy bunker, Specialist Blackshear deployed his squad and then personally led the maneuver element to destroy the enemy bunker with hand grenades while the other fire team laid down a base of fire. Two more occupied enemy bunkers were observed, maneuvered against and destroyed by Specialist Blackshear and his squad. At this time, the squad received intense automaticfire from two directions and Specialist Blackshear ordered the men to move to the rear and set up a perimeter. Realizing that he was in the best location to give covering fire, Specialist Blackshear remained behind and placed effective fire on the enemy. While doing so, Specialist Blackshear was seriously wounded but continued to give covering fire for his squad until he was killed by the enemy. Specialist Blackshear’s supreme sacrifice and extraordinary heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.