The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James Donald Kidder (ASN: 0-26227), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 February 1945. During the battle for wooded terrain south of Styring Wendel, France, an enemy counterattack cut off one company from the battalion and regained a strong fortified position. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Kidder, organizing a group of men from three separate tactical units, led them with such skill and aggressiveness that they drove the enemy back, inflicting heavy casualties and re-establishing contact with the company which had been cut off. After quickly establishing defensive positions he went to the rear and, despite hazardous enemy artillery fire, brought up a heavy machinegun to a strategic position in time to aid in beating back another enemy counterattack, accounting for 15 known dead. Throughout the action Captain Kidder displayed such outstanding leadership and courage that all the men were inspired to greater efforts and finally drove the enemy from the fortified positions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kidder, 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.