The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) James F. Rice (ASN: 0-1102980), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Captain Rice distinguished himself in planning and supervising the transportation of the leading waves of assault troops in the attach across the Vire River. When the attack was launched, Captain Rice personally supervised the filling of the boats and then moved across the river with the first wave of assault troops. Throughout the remainder of the operation he advised, supervised, and materially assisted in transporting the infantry troops across the river. The areas in which he worked were continually subject to intense enemy fire, but in his determination to make the crossing operation a success, Captain Rice completely disregarded his own safety. To Captain Rice’s brilliant planning and gallant execution of the river crossing goes much of the credit for the subsequent success of the attack. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Captain Rice reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.