The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Brigadier General, [then Colonel (Infantry)] James S. Rodwell (ASN: 0-9663), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of La Courageously Des Landes, France, on 25 July 1944. The 8th Infantry Regiment, under the command of General Rodwell, was committed to spearhead a breakthrough in a vital sector, strongly held by the Germans. Friendly planes executed a heavy bombing attack in preparation for the jump-off. Some of the bombs fell upon friendly positions and created much confusion among General Rodwell’s battalions. Quickly sensing the potential dire consequences of this state of confusion, General Rodwell moved from company to company, completely ignoring the personal danger involved, and achieved remarkable success in restoring the courage and confidence of the men. He personally led to their respective units those men who had lost contact with their organizations, and directed the others to remain under cover. At one time, he proceeded along a road while bombs landing on both sides had forced others to seek cover. Upon restoring order within his unit, General Rodwell opened and vigorously prosecuted the attack, which proceeded with gratifying success and became a vital factor in the great American breakthrough near St. Lo. General Rodwell’s actions transformed a disunited and wavering regiment into a positive, well-integrated fighting unit which accomplished its important mission in spite of an initial handicap. His exemplary leadership, timely initiative and personal courage are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 3, 1944 – September 22, 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General James S. Rodwell (ASN: 0-9663), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 3 July 1944 to 22 September 1944. Brigadier General Rodwell successfully led his troops through a series of operations which were among the most difficult and consequential of the European Campaign. In the Normandy breakthrough operation, his spear-heading regiment received a grave initial setback as a result of bombing from friendly planes. The consequences of this unfortunate error would almost certainly have proved disastrous and far-reaching except for the swift and courageous action taken by Brigadier General Rodwell. His firm leadership and dynamic personality were vital factors in adverting complete panic as he unhesitatingly risked his life in order to reorganize and reassure his troops, later leading them forward to fulfill their vital mission. Brigadier General Rodwell’s exemplary record of accomplishments in combat, his personal courage and superlative leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
8th Infantry RegimentDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 7, 1944
Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 43 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) James S. Rodwell (ASN: 0-9663), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in vicinity of St. Germain-Sur Seves, France, on 7 July 1944. The 8th infantry attacked strong well-emplaced enemy units on an island surrounded by dangerous, almost impassable, swamps which afforded the enemy excellent fields of fire. Displaying extraordinary courage, gallantry, devotion to duty and utter disregard for his own life, Colonel Rodwell, Regimental Commander, 8th Infantry, went to the 1st Battalion forward observation post, and exposing himself to heavy, direct hostile fires, observed the attack and assisted the Battalion Commander in its vigorous prosecution. Later, moving among the troops, Colonel Rowell’s presence, gallantry, and great courage inspired the attacking units to greater effort, coordination and achievement. Shortly after dawn, Colonel Rodwell went to the 2nd Battalion forward observation post, and remaining under heavy, direct, observed enemy artillery, automatic, and small arms fires, observed the enemy’s position and activities. Colonel Rodwell’s extraordinary courage, gallantry, devotion to duty with utter disrespect for his own life and his calm, unhurried leadership, which inspired the troops to greater effort, reflect great credit upon himself and the service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 9, 1944 – May 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General James S. Rodwell (ASN: 0-9663), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 9 October 1944 to 9 May 1945. Brigadier General Rodwell’s exemplary record of accomplishments in combat, his personal courage and superlative leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralDivision:
4th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 8 & 9, 1945
Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 131 (June 4, 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 Brigadier General James S. Rodwell (ASN: 0-9663), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Assistant Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 and 9 March 1945, in the vicinity of Adenau and Rifferscheid, Germany. A task force under the leadership of General Rodwell initiated an advance, crossing a river which had thwarted similar previous attempts, and penetrated swiftly and deeply into enemy territory. The force, animated by his vigorous leadership, eliminated each enemy point of resistance and deftly surmounted each obstacle which the retreating Germans had left in their wake. He personally and on foot led his command group through an enemy-occupied town at night while devoid of any support or assistance from combat troops. Brigadier General Rodwell’s outstanding personal courage and aggressive leadership exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.