The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James L. Clayton (ASN: 34894464), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 15 March 1945, Staff Sergeant Clayton and two other soldiers were captured in a powerful tank-infantry counter-attack on Utweiler, Germany, At about 1800 hours, during an intense friendly artillery concentration which scored many direct hits on enemy positions, including the building they occupied, Staff Sergeant Clayton and the two other soldiers capitalized on enemy confusion to seize hostile weapons. When approximately 30 surprised German guards attempted to thwart their escape, the three soldiers fired wounding one of them, and the rest of the guards surrendered. Half an hour later, friendly forces re-captured the town. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.