The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James R. Baird (ASN: 34372003), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Sergeant Baird was a member of an engineer unit given the assignment of constructing a bridge across a river over which infantry troops were to cross in attacking enemy positions. When the first spans of the bridge were laid, heavy enemy artillery fire hit the bridge and cut the anchor table. Sergeant Baird thereupon left his position with the anchor cable section and moved out on the remnant of the bridge to direct reassembly of the damaged pieces. Under observed mortar, artillery, and small arms fire, Sergeant Baird persevered with the construction, and largely as a result of his personal initiative, coolness under fire, and gallant leadership, the bridge was completed rapidly, and the infantry troops moved forward. The personal bravery, fortitude, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Baird reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.