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 James B. Richardson, Jr. (ASN: 36983969), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 23 December 1944 in Luxembourg. Private Richardson, serving as a member of a Rocket Launcher Team with an infantry rifle company having the mission to assault and seize a strongly fortified town, observed an enemy convoy of eight artillery pieces coming through the town. Without hesitation and with utter disregard for his personal safety, accompanied by a comrade, he dashed across open terrain to station himself in a doorway of a building fronting the street being used by the enemy convoy. From this position Private Richardson fired at the first armored vehicle in the column as it passed, disabling it so effectively that the further advance of the column was impossible. His courage, initiative, and sincere devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.