The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James Alexander (ASN: 35110697), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 June 1944 near ****, France. In an effort to improve their position under concentrated artillery fire, Company F was obliged to displace to the security of a hedgerow. The degree of fire made the movement highly perilous. Voluntarily, Private First Class Alexander took his machine gun and advanced forward of the lines in the face of fire and set up his gun in an exposed spot from which he could lay observed fire on the enemy. The Germans concentrated their fire on Private First Class Alexander and shot the bolt handle and sight from his gun. He stayed with the gun and kept up an intense fire on the foe until his company had completed its displacement successfully. His calmness, courage and unflinching devotion to duty was in keeping with the high traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.