1LT. James H. Webb Jr., for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, first Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex which appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions. First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and brandishing his .45 caliber pistal at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade which detonated dangerouly close to him. First Lieutenant Web detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possiblity of enemy soliders hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligance data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Webb, joined the Legion of Valor as a life member in 2003. He resides in Virginia.