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 [then Private First Class] James E. Stevens, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 June 1944 in the Italian Campaign. Sergeant Stevens and another soldier were guarding the left flank of their company when an enemy patrol sneaked up under cover of brush and vineyards to launch a surprise attack. The enemy made their presence known by suddenly firing machine guns and machine pistols and throwing hand grenades against the company’s rear positions. Hearing the commotion, Sergeant Stevens ran forward and joined the fierce fight. Fighting desperately and bravely he and his comrade killed all nine members of the attacking patrol and erased threat that had been harassing the company for several days. His gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.