The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant James A. Cahill (ASN: 32017812), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 25 June 1944. When his company was pinned down by heavy enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Cahill, with disregard for his own safety, moved forward into open ground, directing tanks into position to fire and also to act as shields so that wounded men could be evacuated. After his radio was destroyed, it became necessary for him to move back and forth across the open ground to communicate with his company commander. He was later killed by enemy fire while directing tank activity. His initiative, resourcefulness and disregard of safety served as an example to all who observed him.



