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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James B. Lyle, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from December 1960 to July 1965. [This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Colonel Lyle for meritorious service during the period December 1964 to February 1965 as announced in General Orders Number 14, Headquarters, SIXTH United States Army, dated 3 March 1965.]

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Ranger Battalion

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 48 (September 19, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James B. Lyle (ASN: 0-452005), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, in July and August 1943. Under cover of darkness, Captain Lyle led a two-company attack against fixed enemy coastal-gun positions on high ground on the western edge of our objective. Although heavily fired upon by enemy machine guns and mortars, Captain Lyle led his men into these positions, captured two enemy 3-inch coast batteries and one mortar battery, and thereby established an anchorage highly essential to the successful landing of subsequent waves. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.