The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James L. McKeon (ASN: 36433093), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 7 July 1944. Staff Sergeant McKeon and his platoon were engaged in operating assault boats across the Vire River when a footbridge was being constructed by an adjacent unit, and was practically destroyed by artillery fire. Staff Sergeant McKeon volunteered to take his platoon and start reconstruction of the footbridge at a new site, and continued working until the adjacent unit was able to relieve him. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant McKeon, 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.