The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) James G. Evans (ASN: 0-393643), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division on the night of 28 November 1944 in the town of Corona, Italy. First Lieutenant Evans, officer in command of an artillery observation party attached to an Infantry Company, established his observation post and fired in defensive fires for the company’s protection against attack. In the late afternoon an enemy infantry attack developed against the town, preceded by a terrific artillery and mortar barrage and supported by tanks and self-propelled guns. The attack gathered in force, pressing the defenders back into town, resulting eventually in street to street and house to house fighting. During this entire period First Lieutenant Evans stayed at his radio, directing fire upon points adjacent to and in the town, best calculated to protect the defenders and repulse the attackers. When our infantry’s flank became exposed due to withdrawal of troops on the right, the infantry commander decided to withdraw from the town, while First Lieutenant Evans elected to remain behind to cover the withdrawal with artillery fire. While the fighting raged through the streets with tank and machine gun fire being directed against adjacent houses from point blank range, First Lieutenant Evans remained at his post, calling for artillery fire. Upon being informed that the withdrawal had been effected and realizing the futility of remaining in town longer, First Lieutenant Evans dismantled his radio and, placing it upon a light tank (the last leaving town), rode to the rear under heavy machine gun fire. The gallantry, courage, and unselfish devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, as displayed by First Lieutenant Evans, is most commendable and in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces.