The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James F. Newcomb (ASN: 6956656), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with , *** Infantry Regiment, II Corps, in action against the enemy. On ** February 1943, at ******, with the aid of a corporal, Sergeant Newcomb remained on the side of a bald hill under enemy fire and in plain view of the enemy, in a successful effort to cover the withdrawal of the rest of his squad, and continued to fire at the enemy with his rifle, thereby drawing the enemy fire at himself. When last seen, Sergeant Newcomb was felled by machine gun fire. His outstanding bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.