The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jim L. Spencer, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the battle on Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. Sergeant Spencer exposed himself for three hours in a shallow trench only twenty yards form the enemy to fire a rocket launcher, at close range, on heavily-fortified pillbox positions. His courageous action in the fierce counterattack played a conspicuous role in the routing of Japanese forces, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.