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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James A. Ball (ASN: 0-1304486), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 27 and 28 September 1944. On 27 September, the Germans launched a tank supported infantry attack which penetrated the main line of resistance of the 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, and isolated Company B from adjacent units. Despite extremely heavy fire of all types falling in this area, Lieutenant Ball, acting commander of Company B, reorganized his company which had been split into three groups by enemy action. Displaying outstanding leadership ability and a high order of personal bravery, he led his troops in a fire fight that enabled them to reestablish contact with friendly units. He then deployed his troops in defensive position on the north flank of the battalion zone and repulsed all enemy counterattacks in that area. On the morning of 28 September he was ordered to lead his company in an attack on an enemy pocket of resistance. With tank support, he led his company aggressively forward and, despite the fact that this armor was forced to leave the battle at the edge of the woods, he successfully maneuvered his company into position and drove the Germans from the area. Later that day, a powerful German counterattack forced him to abandon the newly won positions and withdraw to positions in the forest. Although wounded, he refused medical aid and continued to direct the movement of his troops in a fighting withdrawal, so skillfully executed that his troops emerged from a precarious position in good order. Lieutenant Ball has been missing in action since this engagement. His dynamic leadership, intrepid bravery, initiative, resourcefulness, and utter disregard for personal safety reflect the highest credit upon his character as an officer and leader of men.