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 Lieutenant (Infantry) James E. Von Eper (ASN: 0-1320916), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 133d Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action on 12 July 1944 in Italy. When all other units in his battalion had been stopped, Lieutenant Von Eper led his platoon forward in the face of heavy machine gun fire. When they finally became pinned down under this fire, Lieutenant Von Eper crawled forward alone and directed mortar and artillery fire upon the enemy machine gun positions which were holding up the advance. While Lieutenant Von Eper was directing the fire he was struck in the forehead by a machine gun bullet. Although nearly blinded by blood, he continued directing the fire until he had inflicted great damage upon the enemy. He then returned to his platoon, but would not allow himself to be taken to the rear or have his wounds treated until he had reorganized his platoon and instructed his platoon sergeant as to the situation. The heavy fire Lieutenant Von Eper directed upon the enemy position enabled his battalion to take their objective. The courage and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Von Eper reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.