The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James A. Undine (ASN: 0-1321389), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Achen, France, on 3 January 1945. He led his company in a counter-attack against the town, in the face of heavy small arms fire. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he made a reconnaissance of the town and later led two platoons of his company in the counter-attack. When the platoon leader of the adjacent platoon was killed, Lieutenant Undine assumed leadership of the platoon and coordinated its movements with those of his own. His superior leadership resulted in the accomplishment of the assigned mission in the shortest possible time, the minimum of casualties and heavy losses to the enemy. 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 and the United States Army.