James M. Sims

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James M. Sims (RA10104906), Sergeant, 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. An eleven man assault team was the first unit to leave the line of departure shortly afterwards, the support element, commanded by Sergeant Sims, moved along the eastern ridge to a predetermined position where they set up in support of the assault group. When the platoon leader in charge of the initial assault unit was wounded, Sergeant Sims, without regard for his personal safety, armed himself with grenades and moved over the crest of the hill to locate the source of the enemy fire. Finding the enemy in entrenched positions a short distance down the reverse slope, he started the rush towards them. He reached a point within yards of the enemy before he threw his grenades. His courageous action resulted in neutralizing the position, mortally wounding many of the enemy and rendering others as casualties. With the enemy’s fire reduced, he was then able to reorganize the assault squad in an orderly fashion. Sergeant Sims’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.