The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] James B. Luther (ASN: RA-16280926), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. On that date, when the company was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force, Sergeant Luther, weapons platoon sergeant, personally led his machine gun section to exposed positions, in order to direct accurate fire on enemy emplacements. Disregarding his personal safety, he remained exposed to intense enemy fire while directing the machine gun fire of his men and designating targets for the 57-mm. recoilless rifle crew. Sergeant Luther’s control of the supporting fire, on this occasion, was a significant factor in the successful defensive action of his company, and inflicted numerous casualties upon the attacking enemy forces. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Luther reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant] James B. Luther (ASN: RA-16280926), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date during an assault upon enemy positions, all the officers of Company I were casualties due to intense hostile fire. Lieutenant Luther was ordered by the battalion commander to assume command of the unit and continue its attack. He immediately reorganized the men and led them in a successful assault upon enemy positions. Having secured the objective, Lieutenant Luther directed his men in setting up a defensive perimeter and led them in repulsing an enemy counterattack. As a result of his outstanding leadership, numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Luther on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.