The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade James M. Simmons (ASN: 38159475), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France on 4 September 1944. Technician Fifth Grade Simmons was resting beside the vehicle which he drove near the command post of a road block. At the sound of running men, Technician Fifth Grade Simmons, with utter disregard for his personal safety, ran to the center of the road in front of the road block and commenced firing his submachine gun at the approaching enemy consisting of approximately fifteen men, killing two and wounding several and routing the remainder, thus saving possible damage to the road block and the nearby important bridge. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fifth Grade Simmons, 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.