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 J. Meligan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in Luxembourg, on 9 February 1945. Sergeant Meligan fearlessly braved intense artillery fire to go to the aid of a wounded officer. When the shelling increased in intensity, he was ordered to return to the safety of his foxhole, but he refused to do so. With the aid of another soldier, he carried the wounded officer two hundred yards through the heavy hellfire to an aid station where he was evacuated. His gallantry epitomized the finest traditions of the military service.