THE WALL OF FACES

Time marches on, you did well , who knows what your future would have been had you not given the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. You achieved Honor in the service of America. As a neighbor, schoolmate, friend and brother soldier, we will meet again one day in Heaven. Semper Fi Marine

Dear Lt James Simms, Thank you for your service as a Basic Infantry Officer. I researched you on your 77th Birthday, Happy Birthday. Your 54th anniversary is in 5 days, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Presidents' Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Rest In Peace Brother. You were a great leader. Semper Fidelis
Sergeant DeLong.

Jay and I became good friends while in the same platoon at OCS in 1967 and then we attended the Officers Basic School at Quantico in 1968 before going to Vietnam in early 1969. I arrived in Vietnam after Jay and learned of his death on the day I arrived. It was a profound personal loss for me of the sort you never get over. Jay had a very strong sense of duty and unswerving physical courage. He was a fighting Marine who was leading an assault when he was KIA. He was respected by all who knew him and I am truly honored to have had him as a friend. He will always be remembered. Semper Fidelis

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James W. Simms (MCSN: 0-106294), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, during Operation Dewey Canyon, Second Lieutenant Simms platoon was participating in a mission to seize a hilltop overlooking a principal North Vietnamese Army resupply route into the A Shau Valley when the lead element came under sporadic small arms fire from enemy positions near the base of the hill. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Simms deployed his platoon into effective fighting positions and, as he initiated an aggressive assault against the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, the Marines were subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a heavily-fortified bunker complex. Alertly pinpointing a principal source of hostile fire which was temporarily slowing the momentum of the friendly advance, Second Lieutenant Simms boldly led five men through the withering enemy fusillade to envelop the position and, while boldly maneuvering across the fire-swept terrain, he and his men were seriously wounded by intense fire from another hostile emplacement. Rallied by his valiant actions, the remainder of the platoon charged forward and, overrunning the hostile fortifications, killed the North Vietnamese Army soldiers in the bunkers. As the Marines consolidated their position and pursued the enemy by fire, Second Lieutenant Simms was advised that the company commander had requested a medical evacuation helicopter, but, although painfully injured, he attempted to discourage this action until all hostile fire had ceased, to prevent damage to the aircraft. Later evacuated, he subsequently succumbed to his extensive wounds. His heroic and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Second Lieutenant Simms upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: February 26, 1969

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF