The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James R. Allmand, Jr. (ASN: 0-540730), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 8 January 1945 at ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Allmand led an assault on heavily-fortified positions in the heart of the town, knocked out many enemy strongpoints and succeeded in reaching their objectives. His group was subjected to enemy artillery fire pounded by small arms fire from every direction. The advance was held up at one point by an enemy machine gun, but First Lieutenant Allmand crawled close to the position and succeeded in knocking it out with hand grenades, killing the three man crew. First Lieutenant Allmand’s bravery and leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Airborne Forces.