Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Infantry) James Lawrence Kaiser (ASN: 0-24085), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 22 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. When a company from his battalion was being attacked by a numerically superior force, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser left his Command Post and proceeded to that sector. Going to each position, always under heavy mortar, artillery and small arms fire, he made sure that the men were in the most advantageous positions to withstand the fanatical enemy assaults. Suddenly perceiving enemy infantry attempting for the second time to cross the river, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser instantly opened fire with his personal weapon and also directed the fire of the company. With utter disregard for his own safety, in the face of the enemy’s terrific assault fire, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser, from his exposed position, continued to pour fire into the enemy. By his gallantry, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser inspired his men to even greater acts of courage. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1945
    Headquarters, XVI Corps, General Orders No. 55 (July 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] James Lawrence Kaiser (ASN: 0-24085), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 January 1945, in Belgium. When an attack by his battalion on a strongly defended village threatened to bog down, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser, with complete disregard for the hazard of withering fire and by personal aggressiveness, led the attack through eight hours of bitter fighting to successfully reach the Battalion’s objective in an advance of 2,500 yards. As a result of the action, 150 enemy troops including a Battalion Commander and his entire Staff were captured together with a great deal of material. Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser’s inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.