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 James J. McCleary (ASN: 6284041), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 16 February 1945, in the vicinity of Sarreguemines, France. A patrol, of which Sergeant McCleary was a member, crossed a river and entered a town. Heavy enemy machine gun fire wounded the officer in charge and a number of men. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant McCleary, firing his BAR, stood in the street under a hail of fire, to provide cover for the evacuation of the wounded. Upon his withdrawal, he evacuated one wounded man to safety. Rejoining the patrol, he assisted in successfully attacking the strongpoint and clearing the town. The bravery and heroic action exemplified by Sergeant McCleary, reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.