Melvin James

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Melvin James, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces northeast of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 8 August 1950. Corporal James was advancing with his company in an attack along a steep, bare ridge line when they came under fire and were pinned down by heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire. Corporal James, with absolute disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to reorganize and direct the action of his squad. As a result of his valiant efforts and courageous leadership, he company’s line was reestablished, enabling it to regain fire superiority and continue the attack. With another Marine, he voluntarily made six perilous trips across terrain swept by enemy fire to evacuate six wounded comrades and facilitate prompt medical attention to them.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)