James A. Graham, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James A. Graham, Jr. (0-66945), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F commenced to attack enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. The first unit to leave the line of departure was a volunteer eleven man assault element led by Lieutenant Graham. The mission was to attack and destroy known fortifications in two enemy caves on the forward slope. After reaching a point a short distance from the first cave, he ordered the rest of the patrol to cover him as he went on alone. He then pulled the pins of two grenades and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he started to rush the enemy position. Reaching the opening to the cave, he hurled his grenades at the entrenched enemy. His aggressive action resulted in mortally wounding three soldiers, thereby neutralizing the position. As he left the entrance, he came under a hail of automatic weapons fire from the second cave and suffered a wound in the leg. Despite his wounds, he reorganized his men and led them in the assault on another fortified position. The team succeeded in destroying this objective, as well. Only then did he permit himself to be evacuated to safety. Lieutenant Graham’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.