(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James O’Hara, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 54th Armored Infantry Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Bastogne, Belgium, in December 1944. By his gallant action, determination, and maintenance of moral, he contributed to the defeat of two enemy attacks in the Bastogne area. Lieutenant Colonel O’Hara was in command of Team O’Hara, his battalion being augmented by tank and engineer units, with the mission to hold Marvie, a locality southeast of and vital to the Bastogne junction. Team O’Hara blocked the road east from Bastogne through Wiltz and repulsed the German attack on Wardin, and three days later destroyed several tanks of the Panzer-Lehr Division before Marvie; and held Marvie. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel O’Hara, 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.