The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James E. Epperson (ASN: 0-389341), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 21 January 1944. When enemy artillery, mortars and mines destroyed two footbridges intended for the use of his company during the bitterly contested crossing of a river in Italy, Captain Epperson led his Infantrymen to a covered position to await his reconnaissance of another means to continue the attack. Under an intense concentration of hostile fire he moved forward to the river bank but was wounded in the knee by shell fragments. Despite the injury he continued his mission under increasingly heavy enemy fire, finally discovering a crossing site suitable for his purposes. He crossed the treacherous river and located routes of approach forward to be used by his company when the assault was resumed. Finally collapsing from his wound, he later was evacuated. Captain Epperson’s 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 E. Epperson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy in 1943. 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.