The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James F. Gaebelein (ASN: 35067650), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 April 1945 in Germany. Near Kassel, Germany, Sergeant Gaebelein, disregarding the numerical superiority of the hostile force, opened fire on an enemy garrison. Moving forward, he captured 22 stunned prisoners. Other enemy soldiers observing his fair treatment surrendered, bringing the total to 425, thus eliminating a serious threat to the advancing troops. Sergeant Gaebelein’s courage and 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.