The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James E. Hively (ASN: 15113356), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 3 April 1945 in Germany. During the assault on Kassel, Germany, on 3 April 1945, Staff Sergeant Hively, a rifle squad leader, accompanied another squad in clearing enemy from positions on a nearby hill. As they approached the hill withering enemy machine gun fire killed the squad leader and forced the others to take cover. Staff Sergeant Hively, however, continued crawling toward the enemy and when but fifty yards from the objective rose to his feet and, despite the severe fire directed at him, assaulted the enemy position, killing two enemy soldiers and wounding two others. His prompt and courageous action inspired the rest of the squad to attack and in the ensuing fire fight to kill six and capture twelve enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Hively’s courage, aggressive leadership, and loyal 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.