James S. Lockhart
Private First Class
United States Marine Corps


Silver Star Silver Star

 
 
 
          The President of the United States takes pleasure presenting the 
SILVER STAR MEDAL to 

Private First Class James S. Lockhart 
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following 

     CITATION: 

                 "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Amphibious Tractor Driver, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the assault on the heavily fortified and well defended village of Mai Xa Chanh on 2 and 3 March 1968, The amphibious tractor he was driving came under heavy enemy fire seriously wounding the crew chief. He continued forward onto his objective as the enemy fire intensified. As he lowered the ramp to enamble the assault troops to disembark, the enemy poured fore into and around the vehicle, wounding a number of Marines including Private First Class Lockhart. After all of the able bodied Marines had moved from the amphibious tractor to assault the enemy's positions, he attempted to raise the ramp and evacuate the wounded, however, a badly wounded Marine lay half off and half on the ramp. Despite his own wound and at great risk to his own life, Private First Class Lockahrt crawled forward to the wounded Marine and dragged him into the vehicla. While moving the wounded Marine into the amphibious tractor, Private First Class Lockhart Lockhart was wounded again by shapnel and ricocheting bullets. Ignoring his own wounds, he raised the ramp and drove the amphibious tractor to a place of relative safety. Although he was one of the most seriously wounded Marines, he refused treatment until all of the other Marines were removed from the vehicle and treated. By his extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme dangers, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Lockhart reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
     
          FOR THE PRESIDENT, 
        Richard Danzy
          Richard Danzy
                           Secretary of the Navy