James JAMES Morrison

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to James Morrison, Specialist Five, U.S. Army. For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Five Morrison distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 13 January 1970 while serving as a Senior Medical Aidman attached to Company B, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry. On that date, the company was in its night laager position near Phuoc Lam when it came under attack from a heavily armed North Vietnamese Army force. In the initial stages of the ensuing battle, Specialist Morrison received information that one sector of the perimeter had come under particularly heavy fire, resulting in several friendly casualties. Realizing the extreme urgency of the situation, he unhesitatingly left his relatively secure position and maneuvered through the incoming enemy rounds to the site of his fallen comrades. Ignoring the continuing hail of hostile fire, Specialist Morrison then skillfully administered first aid to three of the wounded personnel and swiftly moved them to a covered location. Upon learning that another casualty was still outside the defensive perimeter, he returned to the point of heaviest contact and crawled to the side of his fellow soldier. While attempting to treat his patient, Specialist Morrison came under heavy grenade fire. Aware that his present position offered scant protection for his helpless comrade, Specialist Morrison swiftly carried the man back to the laager site where he completed treating the casualty. His courageous and timely actions were highly instrumental in saving the lives of four fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to the remainder of the unit. Specialist Five Morrison’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.