The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Jim A. Pearce (ASN: 34826726), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 October 1944, in Germany. Private Pearce was serving as a member of a tank crew which attacked the flank of a heavily fortified enemy position. This tank and a second tank, engaged in the same operation were knocked out of action by enemy fire and had to be abandoned. As soon as the tank crews had withdrawn to their company position it was discovered that one member of the crew, critically wounded, had been left between the burning tanks. Unhesitatingly, Private Pearce and two companions made their way back across the fire-swept terrain for more than six hundred yards and succeeded in evacuating their comrade to safety. As a result of this courageous act, Private Pearce aided in saving the life of a fellow soldier. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Pearce, 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.