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 (Field Artillery) James R. Thomas (ASN: 0-1167252), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters Battery, 261st Field Artillery Battalion, 70th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany on 10 April 1945. On that date, Captain Thomas, at close range and while constantly exposed to enemy fire, successfully directed the battalion artillery and lead the clean-up attack on the road block. On 13 April 1945 as a member of a reconnaissance party being ambushed he exposed himself, drawing enemy fire and firing his machine gun, and covered his party’s withdrawal. By his daring leadership, complete fearlessness and intrepidity in repeatedly risking his life, Captain Thomas has been an inspiration to his men and has demonstrated on every occasion his devotion to duty, reflecting great credit on the military service of the United States.