The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James J. Dalton (ASN: 31079202), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 30 October 1944, at about 2300 hours, when an enemy machine gun opened up on a twenty-two man supply detail he was leading to one of the forward companies, near La Bourgence, France, Staff Sergeant Dalton raced over 100 yards, moving from tree to tree, to silence the gun. Enemy fire tore into the trees all about him, missing him by inches as he ran, yet he continued to within a few yards of the position, hurled two grenades at the enemy, then charged the position with his Thompson sub-machine gun blazing. All four enemy in the position were killed, allowing the supply detail to continue forward. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.