(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: James Francis Hollingsworth (ASN: 0-34155), United States Army, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James Francis Hollingsworth (ASN: 0-34155), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, on 9 January 1945 in Belgium. On 4 January 1945, 2d Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, with Major Hollingsworth as Task Force Commander, attacked south of Freineux, Belgium. After several attacks were unsuccessful, the Task Force was ordered to re-assemble and attack from Odeigne towards Samree. After getting into the woods about half way to the objective the attack was halted due to stiff enemy resistance, radio and engine trouble with the tank commanded by the assault company commander stopped the advance forward. Major Hollingsworth sent his command tank to the assistance of this commander and took a position in another tank to direct his task force. He acted as a loader for the 75-mm. gun in this tank, because its crew consisted of only four men, which enabled him to direct this attack also. After two attacks had failed the enemy launched a powerful counterattack. It was during the process of beating off this attack that the 75-mm. gun recoiled against Major Hollingsworth’s arm. Although in extreme pain from a possibly fractured arm, Major Hollingsworth continued to load the gun and would not let himself be evacuated after being ordered by the Combat Commander. The valor, courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hollingsworth reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James Francis Hollingsworth (ASN: 0-34155), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in Normandy, France, on 29 July 1944. On that date, at approximately 0100 hours, the service trains of Combat Command “B” were dispersed in the woods near Notre Dame-de-Centilly, France. There were approximately forty vehicles loaded with gasoline and lubricating oils for the support of combat elements advancing with the attack. These trains were under the command of Major Hollingsworth. The area was subjected to aerial bombardment and one of the gasoline vehicles was set afire, the force of the explosion splashing fuel for some distance around the vehicle. Without regard for his own safety, Major Hollingsworth mounted the cab of three nearby trucks in quick succession and drove them to a safer location away from the burning vehicle. During the period the area was still subjected to aerial bombardment by the enemy. His prompt action at this crucial hour resulted in the saving from destruction of the entire fuel supply for elements in close combat with a retreating enemy. During this action fifteen casualties were sustained among personnel in the service trains under Major Hollingsworth. Through the advance of Combat Command “B,” Major Hollingsworth repeatedly supervised the evacuation of wrecked vehicles from the heads of advancing columns while under enemy sniper and artillery fire. His professional skill rendered under hazardous conditions was an inspiration to his command and aided materially in the successful accomplishment of the Combat Commander’s mission.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James Francis Hollingsworth (ASN: 0-34155), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the 67th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, from 27 March 1945 to 14 April 1945 in Germany. During this period, Major Hollingsworth commanded a task force in the advance of Combat Command “B” to the Elbe River. Throughout the advance he moved with the leading elements of his command through enemy opposition which, though sporadic, was heavy at times. On several occasions Major Hollingsworth moved over roads not previously reconnoitered or cleared by friendly troops in order that he might determine the necessity of placing blocks on the flanks, or for the purpose of placing such blocks.