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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James R. Nicodemus (ASN: 0-2043040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 April 1945. When his company was subjected to a concentrated enemy artillery barrage which caused many casualties, First Lieutenant Nicodemus voluntarily rushed to the aid of the wounded. With shells bursting all around him, he half-carried, half-dragged a seriously wounded man for 200 yards to safety, and then returned at once to assist the company Aidman in evacuating another badly wounded soldier. Once more, First Lieutenant Nicodemus returned to the shell-torn area, and, discovering that a platoon commander had been wounded, took charge of the reorganization of the platoon, and directed evacuation of the dead. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Nicodemus, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James R. Nicodemus (ASN: 0-2043040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 February 1945. When the advance of his company was halted by intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Nicodemus, a heavy machine gun platoon leader, went forward alone to make an extensive reconnaissance of the company front. Although frequently fired upon by enemy machine guns and rifles, he reconnoitered to within 75 yards of the strong enemy position and selected a position from which to place his effective fire on the hostile emplacement. Then Lieutenant Nicodemus led his men to the position, and skillfully directed fire which destroyed the Japanese gun and killed the five man crew.