James A. Goldsby

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James A. Goldsby (566673), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein), FMF, in Korea, on 6 June 1951. Serving as Platoon Sergeant of a Rifle Platoon, Sergeant Goldsby was moving with the platoon in the attack of a heavily fortified enemy hill position when the unit was subjected to withering enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, causing several casualties, including the Platoon Commander. Unhesitatingly assuming command, and despite the fact that he himself had been painfully wounded, he skillfully reorganized the platoon and led it aggressively forward through the heavy fire and routed the entrenched enemy. His initiative and courageous leadership were an inspiration to all who observed him, and aided materially in the success achieved by the company. Sergeant Goldsby’s inspiring and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.