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 [then Staff Sergeant] James A. Hardie (ASN: 13060103), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Marolterode, Germany, on 8 April 1945. When the enemy sent approximately one hundred men to flank his defensive position, Sergeant Hardie quickly grasped the situation. On his own initiative he moved his squad under heavy fire from enemy tanks and machine guns into position to hold off the enemy force successfully. Due to his courage and quick thinking, no further penetrations were made into our lines. His actions reflect high credit to himself and the military service.