Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant James A. Rutledge (ASN: 20838321), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 – 8 February 1944, near Carroceto, Italy. The left flank of the position occupied by Company L was subjected to an enemy counter-attack by a superior force on the night of 7 – 8 February. Technical Sergeant Rutledge, Platoon Sergeant, Company L, accompanied by one of the men of his platoon who speaks fluent German, crawled forward under enemy artillery fire. From this position the enemy was provoked into attacking them. Technical Sergeant Rutledge and his comrade successfully destroyed a large portion of this force with hand grenades and caused the remainder to return to their positions. The actions of Technical Sergeant Rutledge were instrumental in breaking up the counter-attack and enabled his unit to hold its position. His courage and initiative are in the best traditions of the armed forces. [This award was Revoked under Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 66 (1944)]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    157th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1944
    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 77 (May 10, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant James A. Rutledge (ASN: 20838321), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 19 February 1944. Occupying a defensive position near Campo di Carne, Italy, Technical Sergeant Rutledge’s platoon was attacked by bombers, tanks, and heavy artillery, while devastating bands of machine gun fire prevented observation. Technical Sergeant Rutledge crawled 200 yards forward to an Observation Post where he could spot enemy tank positions, and then crawled back to his platoon to direct neutralizing fire. When his aid man was hit, Technical Sergeant Rutledge took his pouches and crawled from foxhole to foxhole administering first aid, all while continuous shelling added new casualties and evacuated several wounded men. Technical Sergeant Rutledge’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.