The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James M. Madison (ASN: 37516598), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 14 February 1945. While attacking a strong enemy pillbox, a Browning Automatic Rifleman belonging to Private Madison’s company was seriously wounded. Private Madison, an assistant Browning Automatic Rifleman, saw his comrade fall, and immediately left his sheltered position to aid the casualty. He lifted the man to his shoulder and exposed himself to intense hostile fire in carrying him to safety. Then, Private Madison once more ran across the lane of enemy fire to return to the spot where his comrade had fallen. From this exposed position he took over operations of the automatic weapon and fired into the pillbox, killing ten of the enemy and completely neutralizing the Japanese strongpoint. His heroic actions saved the life of a wounded comrade, and allowed his company to advance with a minimum of casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.