The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] James G. Shanahan, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Putlan, Luzon, Philippine Islands on 5 March 1945. During an attack, his battalion was held up by intense enemy mortar and automatic-weapons fire from a wooded hill crest. His platoon was ordered to take the hill at all costs, but several attacks were broken up. Seeing that his men were being disorganized, he personally charged the position with fixed bayonet and, with rifle fire and hand grenades, silenced a machine-gun and caused considerable other casualties. Major Shanahan’s initiative, courage, and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.