Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    THIRD U.S. Army

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 55 (March 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James M. Zimmerman (ASN: 36674680), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 595th Ambulance Company (Motor) (Separate), in action on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. On that date, Private Zimmerman was serving as an Assistant Ambulance Driver, evacuating patients from a threatened clearing station at Lutrobois, Belgium. Although the route of evacuation was under a heavy enemy artillery barrage, this intrepid soldier calmly rode his vehicle to and from the station until a direct artillery hit overturned the ambulance and set it on fire. The driver was killed and Private Zimmerman was himself wounded, but he courageously removed the casualties, still under fire, and remained with them until they were evacuated. Only then did he accept treatment for his own wounds. Private First Class Zimmerman’s conspicuous bravery and courageous, unselfish devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.