The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Robert L. James (ASN: 7000595), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 8 October 1944. Near ****, during an engagement with the enemy, the tank destroyer of which Technician James was driver, was struck by enemy rocket-launcher fire and immediately burst into flames. Badly shaken by the impact, Technician James leaped from the vehicle, but the gunner, who was wounded in the arms and blinded by facial wounds, was unable to leave the vehicle. With complete disregard for personal safety, and knowing that the ammunition within the tank destroyer would explode at any moment, Technician James climbed back into the vehicle and extricated the gunner who, unable to see, ran toward enemy lines, into the face of enemy fire. Again disregarding personal safety, Technician James pursued and caught the gunner, and although fired upon by the enemy, led the man back to the safety of friendly lines. Technician James’ loyalty to a wounded comrade, his utter disregard for personal safety under enemy fire and his personal bravery, constitute such gallantry in action as to make him a credit to the military service.