The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James F. Harner (ASN: 33111910), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 9th Reconnaissance Troop, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 March 1943, in the Gafsa sector, Tunisia. Corporal Harner, after completing a hazardous and extremely important reconnaissance through enemy mine fields, did, without hesitation and with utter disregard for his own safety, volunteer to go forward through heavy enemy artillery fire to salvage a stalled vehicle which had been abandoned. This action resulted in the recovery of the vehicle and its valuable equipment. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.