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 J. B. Isbell (ASN: 34365985), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, France, on 16 September 1944. Private Isbell, a rifleman, was a member of a security outpost with the mission of protecting the right flank of his company during an attack on high ground south of ****, France. Observing an enemy patrol attempting to flank the battalion position, Private Isbell exposed himself to direct enemy fire and, with his rifle, killed or wounded all eight members of the patrol. His intrepid, daring and cool display of marksmanship under direct and heavy enemy action prevented an infiltration into the battalion positions during an important combat operation. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class J. B. Isbell (ASN: 34365985), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 13 November 1944. During the course of an assault by Company G, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, on the village of ****, the attacking echelons were subjected to accurate and intense sniper fire emanating from an orchard on the outskirts of the village. Private Isbell, a rifleman, voluntarily and without hesitation entered the orchard alone, killed three enemy snipers and captured seven Germans, thereby facilitating the advance and enabling his organization to accomplish its mission with minimum casualties. His gallant action is in accord with the military traditions of the United States.