The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James L. Hays (ASN: 33692523), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 24 January 1945, near Haguenau, France, while acting as a member of a combat patrol which was pinned down by heavy small arms enemy fire most of which came from an automatic weapon to the front, Private Hays on his own initiative, with utter disregard for his personal safety, crawled forward to within ten yards from the weapon where he opened fire and silenced the enemy weapon enabling his patrol to advance and clear the sector. In so doing he gave away his position and was killed by enemy fire. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.