James J. Little

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James J. Little (1410063), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, Battalion Landing Team, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, on 16 December 1965. Staff Sergeant Little assumed command of his platoon due to the evacuation of the platoon commander. While on a search and destroy mission, Sergeant Little was called upon to rescue another platoon that had been ambushed. With skillful tactical maneuver and inspiring leadership, he cleared a Viet Cong ambush position, killing four enemy guerrillas, wounding one and capturing their weapons and equipment. Continuing the mission and with complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly guided his platoon across a bridge and fifty meters of exposed trail. His aggressive action and skillfully directed fire took the enemy by surprise, inflicted heavy damage and forced the enemy to withdraw. His effective actions throughout the day dealt severe blows to the enemy, with minimal Marine casualties, and were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of Operation HARVEST MOON.