The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James A. Madden (ASN: 32436244), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 21 April 1945. As Private Madden and another man were setting up mortar defenses after their infantry company had taken a hill from the Japanese, an enemy hand grenade landed and burst 15 yards from their position. Grabbing their carbines, these two men dashed to the edge of the cliff, where they saw eight Japanese making their way up the hill. A hostile light machine gun covered the advance of the enemy soldiers from a well-hidden position at the bottom of the hill. In the face of intense enemy fire and overwhelming odds, Private Madden and his comrade each threw two grenades at the enemy, now only 20 yards away and then opened fire with their carbines. Five of the enemy were killed and the rest dispersed. Then a bullet from the enemy machine gun struck Private Madden’s companion and killed him instantly. Despite the fact that his comrade fell at his side, Private Madden continued to fire his weapon until reinforcements arrived and the enemy attack was repulsed. 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.