The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant James E. O’Neal (ASN: 34087563), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Huelgoat, France, on 6 August 1944. His platoon was assigned the mission of clearing enemy troops from the town. They were met by heavy fire from numerous camouflaged positions. Sergeant O’Neal gallantly crossed a stream and closed with the enemy, killing five and eliminating three machine gun nests before being wounded. He refused to submit to medical treatment until two men who were wounded in coming to his aid had been evacuated. His aggressive actions and personal courage made possible the accomplishment of his platoon’s mission and the continued advance of his battalion.