The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) James Newell Pickering, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 146th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Montfaucon, France, 26 September – 1 October 1918, in personally leading detachments of the Division Reserve to the attack and capturing seven pieces of artillery and forty-eight prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Pickering, 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.