Kirk J. James United States Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four James distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1966 while serving as squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry. As the unit was preparing the morning meal, the camp suddenly received intense machine gun and mortar fire from all sides. Specialist James quickly fired his weapon point blank into a Viet Cong machine gun position, killing the insurgent gun crew. With complete disregard for his safety, he exposed himself to the exploding rounds as he directed fire and ran from position to position with equipment and medical supplies. Spotting several Viet Cong attempting to set up another machine gun, he alertly fired, killed several and forced the rest to flee. Wounded in the face, Specialist James then crawled 40 yards through intense fire to the command post where the platoon sergeant was calling for air strikes. Unhesitatingly, he ran from the bunker and completely exposed himself to the Viet Cong fire to reach smoke grenades with which he marked the friendly positions for the approaching aircraft. Specialist James dauntlessly risked death and injury throughout the four hour battle as he continued crawling between positions, throwing grenades, and administering first aid to the wounded. As supplies were brought forward, he moved along the perimeter, distributed ammunition and shouted encouragement to his beleaguered comrades. His gallantry and composure under the most critical conditions inspired everyone around him to successfully repel the Viet Cong attack. Specialist James’ 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.