The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James R. Allen (ASN: 33674094), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 20 November 1944. On 20 November 1944, the company to which Staff Sergeant Allen was assigned was moving into a town already partially secured by two companies of the battalion. Leading elements of the company sighted an enemy patrol advancing boldly and, believing that they wished to surrender, failed to fire on them. Reaching the intersection the enemy treacherously opened fire killing one man, wounding another, and driving the rest to cover. Immediately the enemy placed a machine gun on the street corner and began firing at the advancing column, forcing the men to take cover between the buildings of the narrow street. Staff Sergeant Allen secured additional hand grenades from nearby men and, at great risk to his life, crawled up a road-side ditch, which was just deep enough to protect him. Reaching a point across the intersection from the machine gun, Staff Sergeant Allen threw his grenades form a prone position and forced the enemy to abandon their gun. When later it became necessary for his company to withdraw, the enemy again moved their gun to a firing position, but were driven off by Staff Sergeant Allen, single-handedly. Voluntarily and in spite of heavy fire and extreme danger of being cut off from the rear, Staff Sergeant Allen remained at his post and repeatedly denied the enemy the use of the road crossing until his company had successfully withdrawn to security without further casualties. His courageous action, carried out entirely on his own initiative, undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Staff Sergeant Allen’s bravery, above and beyond the call of duty, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

(UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): James R. Allen, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 104th Infantry Division during World War II.