James O. Shiflett

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James O. Shiflett (RA13386439), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 24 May and during the early morning hours of 25 May 1953, a friendly patrol of Company K was assigned the mission of ambushing the enemy in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. They reached the predetermined location for the ambush and immediately set up their formation. When the enemy was sighted and a fire fight ensued, Corporal Shiflett demonstrated outstanding determination and courage. As he was moving under intense hostile small arms and grenade fire, the patrol leader pointed out to him six enemy soldiers who were advancing towards him. Stopping momentarily, he accurately fired his automatic rifle against them. After this action, he continued his route towards a new position. There he found one of his comrades seriously wounded. The enemy started advancing, as he aided the man. Operating both his and his comrade’s weapons Corporal Shiflett’s accurate fire was instrumental in stopping the movements of the enemy. Taking advantage of the momentary cessation of movement, he fire swept the area which the friendly unit had selected for their defensive perimeter and then covered the friendly maneuver to the area. His actions contributed materially to repulsing the enemy attack. Corporal Shiflett’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.