The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) James J. Gaffney, Jr. (ASN: 0-357736), United States Army, for gallantry in action while Commanding the 274th Field Artillery Battalion on 8 September 1944 near Dornot, France, when the enemy began a fierce counterattack. With the welfare of his men ever at heart, Major Gaffney started making his way through the narrow, rubble-strewn streets of Dornot to his Battalion Forward Observation Post. He wanted to warn his forward observers of the new enemy attack which was developing along the bridgehead on the east bank of the Moselle River, and to coordinate his Battalion’s fire against the new attack. He snaked his way amid a hail of shells and gun fire along the close streets, without thought of the danger, and at length was within yards of his Observation Post when a shell burst near him. A shell fragment severed his right leg below the hip, but before accepting medical aid, he completed his mission. His courage, leadership and loyalty to duty were of the highest caliber and reflect great credit upon himself and the Army of the United States.