The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James J. Larkin, United States Army, for gallantry in action during the assault on Hill 950 near San Pietro, Italy, on 8 December 1945. Captain Larkin’s Infantry Company was ordered to regroup in the vicinity of the main battalion position to permit taking out enemy strongpoints on either flank of the advance companies. While the company returned to the main position, he and other officers remained behind to give aid to a fellow officer who had been severely wounded. Because of the difficult terrain, the remove o the officer was very slow, and was made under enemy automatic weapons and artillery fire. Captain Larkin’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.