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 Captain [then Second Lieutenant] James G. Piper (ASN: 0-40248), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Mortain, France, during the period 8 to 11 August 1944. The 12th Infantry Regiment was engaged in stopping the German drive to break out to the Normandy beaches, and was heavily engaged with the enemy in a further effort to relieve an infantry battalion of the division surrounded in Mortain. The 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, of which Captain Piper was a member, became virtually isolated during its attacks to reach the St. Barthelmy-Mortain road. Captain Piper, perceiving the seriousness of the situation and despite intense enemy artillery and small arms fire, volunteered to make frequent trips, both day and night, throughout the period to the main lines of resistance on reconnaissance and to the various company strong points in order to bring in urgently needed ammunition, replacements, food and water. Captain Piper was an outstanding example to the officers and men of the battalion and his ingenuity and heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.