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 (Field Artillery) James R. Cray (ASN: 0-414127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Battery B, 33d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 1 December 1944. 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.

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 (Field Artillery) James R. Cray (ASN: 0-414127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery B, 33d Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through July 1943. While acting as Artillery Liaison Officer with infantry elements in an assault, Captain Cray’s battalion came under intense enemy fire. Ordering his liaison section to return to the rear, Captain Cray remained with his radio and, although wounded in this action, directed effective artillery fire upon the enemy and maintained the only means of communication to the rear. 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.