The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jake D. Hodges (ASN: 0-533446), 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 29 March 1945 in Germany. On that date, while making a reconnaissance near Rambach, Germany, Lieutenant Hodges, an executive officer of a heavy weapons company, discovered an enemy company eating breakfast in a wooded area. While returning to report the information to the battalion command post, Lieutenant Hodges located a friendly rifle company which he led in an attack on the enemy position, killing ten and capturing sixty-five enemy soldiers without a casualty. The initiative, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hodges were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.