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 (Field Artillery) James D. Buck (ASN: 0-1175657), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 254th Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 24 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. First Lieutenant Buck, Forward Observer, displayed superior courage and determination in remaining at his forward observation post in the face of a severe enemy tank assault which finally overran his position. He called for and adjusted friendly artillery concentrations upon this enemy force, thus enabling the isolated American troops in the town to reach a more tenable position in a woods 400 yards to the north. Upon the successful completion of this displacement, First Lieutenant Buck withdrew through the town, all the while in plain sight of the enemy and under intense artillery and small arms fire. First Lieutenant Buck’s courage and superior performance of duty in the face of imminent danger enabled the infantry to safely reestablish favorable positions while under attack by a numerically superior enemy force supported by tanks and SP artillery. 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.