James V. Bonner, James

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James V. Bonner, Staff Sergeant, 1SG HQ, 1st Inf Bde, 5th Inf Div (Mech), APO 96477, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Sergeant James V. Bonner distinguished himself while serving as First Sergeant of Company D, 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry. During the early afternoon, the company made contact with an enemy force of unknown seize which was positioned in a bunker complex. In the initial stages of the engagement, the lead platoon was pinned down by heavy enemy small arms fire, and suffered many casualties. Immediately, First Sergeant Bonner tan forward through the bullet swept area and joined the platoon to render assistance. He moved from position to position engaging the enemy strong points with withering fire. First Sergeant Bonner’s adept handling of the situation was instrumental in helping the platoon to withdraw to a relatively secure area so that air strikes could be called in against the enemy positions. After the air strikes were completed, First Sergeant Bonner again ran forward through intense enemy fire, with complete disregard for his own safety, to retrieve the body of a comrade. His valorous actions during the engagement enabled the company to decisively defeat the enemy forces. First Sergeant Bonner’s extraordinary heroism and professional skill while in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.