The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James N. Martin (ASN: 39910394), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 6 March 1945, near Cologne, Germany. When the lead Tank Destroyer of a convoy moving forward in the assault of Cologne, Germany, burst into flames from a direct enemy 88-mm. hit, Private Martin, riding in the following Destroyer jumped down from his own position and went forward to the burning vehicle. Under withering enemy machine gun and small arms fire he successfully evacuated the wounded members of the crew. Through his courageous and gallant act, Private Martin saved the lives of four of his comrades.