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 Sergeant James L. Moreland (ASN: 35776258), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 18 July 1944, in Italy. Sergeant Moreland led a seven-man patrol to prove enemy positions in the vicinity of the Arno River. After searching several houses without encountering the enemy, the patrol approached another house and heard voices. Leaving the rest of the patrol to give covering fire, Sergeant Moreland went forward alone, and on nearing the house saw a column of about fifteen Germans. Sergeant Moreland immediately opened fire with his Tommy Gun and killed one of the enemy, wounded another, and routed the remainder. After an additional squad was sent forward by the company commander, Sergeant Moreland led this force in an attack and occupied the house. After a night-long fire-fight with the enemy in an adjacent house, the enemy withdrew, leaving nine dead and several wounded. The information gained by Sergeant Moreland enabled his company to successfully carry on the attack. Sergeant Moreland’s courage and aggressiveness reflect highly upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.