Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    915th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    90th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1944

    Headquarters, 90th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 20 (June 29, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) James Alexander Costain (ASN: 0-19423), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in northern France as Commanding Officer, 915th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division. On 15 June 1944 the 915th Field Artillery Battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Costain was in direct support of the ** Infantry. Two assault companies were cut off from the remainder of the Battalion and had no communications, consequently no artillery support. Colonel Costain realized that if the assault companies were to receive artillery support, communications must be reestablished and the location of German machine guns holding up the flank be determined. He therefore, and with no concern for his own safety, organized and led a patrol forward. The patrol was shortly pinned to the ground by enemy fire and a friendly machine gun covering his advance was destroyed. Colonel Costain with the utmost bravery returned the fire of the enemy machine gun in an effort to silence it. He continued to fire until his ammunition was exhausted. At this time he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.