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. Houser (ASN: 33784110), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 20 April 1944, in the vicinity of Unter Munkheim, Germany. While Company K was attacking east of the town, it encountered heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire which wounded Private First Class Houser, assistant machine gunner, and killed the gunner. Private First Class Houser although wounded in the knee, refused medical aid and carried on alone, carrying the double load of the machine gun and its tripod. On reaching the company’s objective, he skillfully manned his gun, giving effective supporting fire which materially assisted in the capture of the town. Private First Class Houser’s untiring devotion to duty and courage under fire reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.