The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Technician Fifth Grade James E. Spaulding (ASN: 35721557), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 253d Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against the enemy on 27 September 1944, near *****, France. When the wire detail was unable to keep the heavily-shelled telephone lines intact, Technician Fifth Grade Spaulding, disregarding personal safety, volunteered to perform the duties of lineman in order to restore communication between the battery and the Observation Post. He traced the wire to a point 1,000 yards west of ****, found a break and disregarding the heavy shelling in his area, immediately went to work to repair it with the result that the line was checked through. His 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.