The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade James W. Wilber (ASN: 37085050), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action on 18 July 1944 near ***, Normandy, France. A message was received that an injured American soldier was lying in an enemy mine field, and that he was exposed to heavy concentrations of enemy fire. Technician Wilber, a surgical technician, volunteered, together with two officers and another surgical technician, to enter the mine field for the purpose of rescuing the wounded man. Successful entry was made into the mined area under heavy concentrations of enemy fire; the wounded soldier was picked up and the rescue party started for safety. They had almost cleared the area when a mine exploded, killing one of the officers and Technician Wilber, and seriously injuring the other officer and technician. Inasmuch as the explosion occurred at the edge of the mine field, the rescue was successful, since nearby comrades were able immediately to drag the injured personnel to safety. His dauntless courage, above and beyond the call of duty to save another comrade at the cost of his own life, is a tribute to Technician Wilber and reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.