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 First Class [then Private] James C. Gildea (ASN: 36583981), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. During the fighting in an enemy-held town, two enemy tanks entered the town and rapidly advanced up a road. Private First Class Gildea and a comrade braved heavy hostile fire to reach a position on the upper floor of a house. When the first tank was one hundred yards from their position, they fired two rounds from their bazooka. The first round hit the turret and the second hit the rear of the tank, setting the vehicle ablaze. The second tank then withdrew to the east where it was later destroyed. Private First Class Gildea and his comrades then returned to their platoon to serve as riflemen. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Gildea, 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.