(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) James Pugh Pearson, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 605th Field Artillery Battalion, 10th Mountain Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Pearson, 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.