JAMES F. DABNEY. Infantry, United States Army, Company D, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Dabney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 6 to 10 May 1968 in Quan Binh Chanh Province. On 6 May his company engaged a combined North Vietnamese Army/Viet Cong force. After four hours of combat, during which Captain Dabney repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct light fire team, artillery and air strike support, he led his company in an assault. Discovering a North Vietnamese mortar position, he charged the emplacement, killing two enemy soldiers with grenades and taking two prisoners. In the early morning hours of 7 May the perimeter of his companyís night position was attacked by a large enemy force. Moving to the edge of the perimeter, Captain Dabney fearlessly adjusted air strikes to within fifty meters of his unitís position. He then directed a counteroffensive and sweep of the area. Another heavy engagement occurred on 9 May when Captain Dabney sprung an ambush on the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong. He moved among his men, encouraging them and directing their fire, an at one point personally manned a machine gun to kill three Viet Cong who were less than twenty-five meters from his position. By afternoon enemy soldiers were fleeing in all directions. During the rest of the afternoon and the next day Captain Dabney conducted a sweep of the area which crushed the remaining pockets of resistance. Captain Dabneyís extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Mr. Dabney is a life member and resides in Maryland. He joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.