Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) James Leo Dalton, II (ASN: 0-19100), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at San Manuel, Luzon, Philippine Islands, from 23 to 28 January 1945. Colonel Dalton’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    161st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 23 – 24, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 63 (March 17, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Leo Dalton, II (ASN: 0-19100), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 – 24 January 1943 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Dalton personally led a patrol of eighteen infantrymen in an attack to be undertaken in co-ordination with another similar patrol, on an enemy position which had been previously located. The other patrol was halted by enemy machine gun and rifle fire. The patrol led by Lieutenant Colonel Dalton proceeded into the enemy-infested area and relieved the pressure from the other patrol, killing ten of the enemy. The following day Lieutenant Colonel Dalton organized a larger patrol which cleared the area of all enemy resistance, killing thirty-five of the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Dalton, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    161st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1942 – 1945

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) James Leo Dalton, II (ASN: 0-19100), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, from 1942 to 1945.