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 (Chaplain’s Corps) James Louis Flaherty, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a chaplain with Combat Command “A” 1st Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Gabbiano, Italy, on 10 October 1944. Chaplain Flaherty was visiting the companies of an armored infantry battalion while the battalion was in a forward assembly area prior to their taking over a sector on the front. While visiting the companies, they were subject to a sudden concentration of heavy artillery. Although wounded about his face and neck, Captain Flaherty, with complete disregard for his own safety and the continued enemy shelling, immediately helped to evacuate the wounded. He personally helped in placing the wounded in his jeep and driving them to the first aid station. He also rendered spiritual aid to all wounded and dying, regardless of denomination. The complete devotion to duty and disregard for his own personal welfare as shown by Captain Flaherty reflects the best traditions of the military service and is deserving of the highest praise.