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 (Infantry) James S Ball (ASN: 0-467837), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 March 1945, in France. First Lieutenant Ball voluntarily led a five-man detail with the mission of clearing a road of mines so that the supporting armor could advance. When the group had approached to within 250 yards of a town, they found a minefield and immediately began lifting the mines buy hand to save time. After removing 35 mines in 15 minutes, they again moved forward; but they were fired on by an enemy machine gun and were forced to seek cover. First Lieutenant Ball and his comrades, courageously exposing themselves to locate the hostile weapon, silenced the machine gun with accurate fire from their rifles and carbines. First Lieutenant Ball then dashed back 50 yards to the nearest tank, and, exposing himself alongside the tanks to increasing small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, led them forward into firing positions. Although another tank 20 yards away was hit and disabled by antitank fire, he gallantly remained in his exposed position and directed the tank fire upon the enemy weapons, materially aiding the friendly troops in their successful advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Ball, 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.