The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

      HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SECOND CLASS JAMES M. SHUCK

                       UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

    CITATION

             “For heroic achievement in connection with operations

against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the Second

Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division from 2 February 1970 to 25 January 1971. Throughout this period, Petty Officer Shuck performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. In his initial assignment as a Corpsman with Company E, he took a deep personal interest in the welfare of his Marine companions and, by stressing preventive medicine procedures and alertly detecting and treating minor injuries and infections, was instrumental in maintaining the Company at full operational strength at all times. Participating in numerous patrols, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure during critical situations as he rendered expert ftrst aid treatment to wounded men. Particularly noteworthy were his actions on 30 August 1970 when two Marines were extensively wounded by fragments of an enemy antipersonnel device which also revealed the presence of another lethal device nearby. Although knocked to the ground by the concussion, Petty Officer Shuck quickly recovered and unhesitatingly rushed across the dangerous terrain to the side of the casualties. Carefully placing himself between the second explosive device and his patients to protect them in the event of its detonation, he quickly treated their wounds, performing a tracheotomy on one Marine to restore his breathing and skillfully halting the excessive bleeding of the second man. His heroic actions and sound medical treatment inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. Reassigned as an Administrative Corpsman with the Battalion Aid Station, he contiiued to distinguish himself by his professional versatility and by his outstanding performance of duty in a relatively unfamiliar billet. Working tirelessly, he skillfutly uncovered and corrected errors in medical records and trained and supervised other personnel to ensure the accuracy of all current and future administrative procedures. Petty Officer Shuck's determined efforts, high degree of professionalism, and steadfast devotion to duty throughout his tour in the Republic of Vietnam contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his command's mission and 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

V

                          WILLIAM K. JONES

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

James Michael Shuck