The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

CORPORAL JAMES W. CASTOR

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader with Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 August 1969, Company I was participating in a battalion-sized search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar, machine gun, and automatic weapons fire from a hostile unit occupying concealed emplacements in a tree line. Observing one wounded Marine fall in a dangerously exposed position, Corporal Castor, with complete disregard for his own safety, fought his way across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion but, upon attaining his objective, sustained a wound which severed an artery. Ignoring his painful injury, he rendered medical assistance to the casualty until he was satisfied that the man would recover. Remaining in the dangerous area, he then attempted to treat his own extensive wound, but collapsed and succumbed to his injury without having informed anyone that he had been wounded. His heroic actions and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Castor upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

For the President,

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC