The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James T. Patterson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 21st Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 25th Infantry Division, in action in Korea, on the night of 24 – 25 April 1951. On that date, the half-track on the left of Sergeant Patterson’s vehicle was virtually isolated during a strong hostile attack. After several casualties had been sustained, Sergeant Patterson secured a machine gun and fought his way through the surrounding enemy to enable an aid man to reach the beleaguered crew. After entering the main strongpoint of the foe, he exposed himself again to deadly fire to direct its complete destruction. Sergeant Patterson’s valorous initiative and selfless devotion to duty and his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.