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.

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.