The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL JAMES D. HOWE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Third Marines.  On 17 June 1969, Company M was conducting a search and destroy operation west of Gio Linh in Quang Tri Province.  As the Marines crossed a large open field, the flank platoon came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-concealed positions in a hedgerow.  Reacting instantly, Corporal Howe skillfully deployed his fire team and, fearlessly moving throughout the fire-swept terrain, shouted instructions and encouragement to his men as he ably directed their fire against the enemy.  When the Marines began to maneuver toward a more tactically advantageous position, Corporal Howe alertly observed a seriously wounded comrade lying in a position dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire and with complete disregard for his own safely, boldly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his companion, picked him up and carried him back to friendly lines.  His heroic and timely actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the subsequent defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force.  Corporal Howe’s courage, resolute determination and swerving devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

The Combat distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President

H. W. BUSE, JR.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL. U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MAR1NE FORCE, PACIFIC