The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James M. Boyd (ASN: 15098446), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Staff Sergeant Boyd, Platoon Sergeant, had just moved his under strength platoon of seventeen men to its objective when it was attacked by a company of German infantry. When part of the enemy attempted a flanking movement, Staff Sergeant Boyd took four men and forced them back 200 yards, during which action Staff Sergeant Boyd personally shot one and captured two of the enemy. Returning to his platoon, Staff Sergeant Boyd then selected four fresh men to drive off a thrust on his opposite flank. Dashing 200 yards across an open field in rear of the enemy, Staff Sergeant Boyd killed a motorcycle dispatch rider and two more infantrymen from a range of 25 yards. His ammunition gone, he picked up an enemy weapon and wounded two more of the enemy and captured two. With the enemy in retreat, Staff Sergeant Boyd returned to his unit, carrying a wounded comrade through sniper fire. His gallant action greatly inspired all his men and was a dominant factor in the successful defense of his position. 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.