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), [then Second Lieutenant] James L. McKeever (ASN: 0-554875), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 23 January 1945, in the vicinity of Bennwihr, France. Lieutenant McKeever, with utter disregard for his personal safety, led his platoon, single file, through a known uncharted snow-covered Schu-mine field while participating in an attack. 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.