The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) James Arthur DeWeerd (ASN: 0-52-0591), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Chaplain with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action near St. Lo, France, on 25 July 1944. Captain DeWeerd was serving with an Infantry organization poised for an offensive against the enemy. Part of the preparation for the attack consisted of an aerial bombardment by friendly planes on the hostile positions. Some of the bombs fell short, and two officers were buried alive in the area near Captain DeWeerd. Captain DeWeerd ran to the location where his comrades had been stricken, and despite the bombs still falling in the area, worked frantically until he, himself, became a casualty. Although he was seriously wounded in this action, Captain DeWeerd undoubtedly saved the life of one of his comrades by his quick thinking, initiative, for the work he began was completed by others who had been inspired to gallantry as a result of his daring action. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain DeWeerd, 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.