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 E. Newton (ASN: 34918692), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 April 1945, in Germany. While Private First Class Newton’s mortar squad was assisting in clearing the enemy from a town, it was pinned down by heavy automatic fire from a building. Private First Class Newton and two companions, armed only with pistols, courageously approached the posit on by rushes and thrust open the door of the building. They were met with a burst of machine gun fire which killed one of Private First Class Newton’s companions and wounded the other. Private First Class Newton immediately opened fire, killing the enemy soldier and neutralizing the position. His gallant action enabled his unit to proceed forward without danger. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Newton, 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.