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 First Class James E. Sullivan (ASN: 33389276), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 44th Engineer Combat Battalion, Third U.S. Army, in action against the enemy in Luxembourg. On the night of 19 December 1944, during a withdrawal of his platoon in the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg, Private First Class Sullivan distinguished himself by his gallant actions under fire. He courageously manned a machine gun in the face of a determined enemy attack and covered the withdrawal of his platoon until his ammunition was exhausted. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Sullivan, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.