(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Willis Cantey (ASN: 0-371477), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Action in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Cantey, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Willis Cantey (ASN: 0-371477), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Action in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Cantey, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Willis Cantey (ASN: 0-371477), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 July 1944, in France. Acting as Assistant Battalion Commander of the battalion ordered to seize an objective west of an enemy-held town, Lieutenant Colonel Cantey voluntarily led elements of the assault companies in the attack. The enemy staged a vigorous counterattack on the assaulting companies, killing the commanding officer of a second company. Lieutenant Colonel Cantey personally rallied his troops in unwavering defense which resulted in an annihilation of the majority of the counterattacking forces. He was constantly subjected to heavy enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire. Had it not been for inspired leadership and personal bravery the counterattack may have succeeded, which would have resulted in a serious setback for our forces. Lieutenant Colonel Cantey’s heroic and determined leadership reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.