Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    311th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    78th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 13, 1945

    Headquarters, 78th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 180 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 R. Upham, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 March 1945. When direct fire from a camouflaged Panzer Mark 4 tank had cut the lead platoon off from the remainder of the company, Staff Sergeant Upham and seven others moved toward the tank. After leaving six men to cover their advance, he and one other crawled to the crest of the hill and exposed themselves to bring bazooka fire to bear on the enemy armor. Fire from the tank was shifted to the two men, and Staff Sergeant Upham and his companion remained exposed and fired two rounds at the tank and silenced it. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Upham, 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.