The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James E. Burgess (ASN: 34210767), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 August 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Burgess was serving as supply sergeant with an Infantry Company which was engaged in bitter fighting with the enemy. Hostile troops had launched a sustained and determined large scale counterattack aimed at reaching the sea and dividing American troops on the continent. The company to which Staff Sergeant Burgess was assigned was one of the companies which was defending a sector in the center of the German drive, and as a result were expending ammunition very rapidly. Although the route over which Staff Sergeant Burgess had to travel to bring supplies up to the company was threatened by the enemy thrust and was expected momentarily to fall into enemy hands, Staff Sergeant Burgess continued assiduously to make as many trips as possible to get ammunition in to the front line elements of his company. In the performance of his unselfish activities, Staff Sergeant Burgess lost his life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Burgess, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.