The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James M. Dean (ASN: 35339714), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Anti-Tank Company, *** Infantry Regiment, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 July 1944, in ****, France. Captain Gust was given the mission of knocking out an enemy strong point located in an orchard. Finding that he could not get in position to fire on the strong point except by taking an exposed position on a road under direct fire from enemy tanks, he unhesitatingly led his men to such position. Before fire could be brought to bear on the enemy the gun was put out of action by a direct hit. With undaunted determination he organized two rocket launcher teams and, taking one himself, began working around the flank of the strong point. In advancing 100 yards two of his men were killed by small arms fire. Taking advantage of covering artillery fire, he and the remainder of his men undertook to reach an orchard behind the enemy lines. He reached the rendezvous point but the ammunition bearer did not get through. Captain Gust succeeded in spotting two enemy tanks which had been dug in below their treads, in support of two platoons of infantry firmly entrenched in a hedgerow. Despite being fired on every time he exposed himself, he succeeded in making his way back to his lines to report what he had seen. Accurate artillery fire was brought to bear on the position, the two tanks were knocked out and the advance was continued. The audacious determination, coolness under fire, and disregard for personal safety displayed by this officer, reflect great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.