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 J. Coyle (ASN: 0-1311121), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, in ****, Holland. First Lieutenant Coyle, Platoon Leader, Company E, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, led the 1st Platoon in the initial assault against strongly fortified enemy positions at the approach to the *** Bridge over the Waal River. The attack was made in the face of heavy fire from high velocity artillery and automatic weapons, through which he led his men to establish a strongpoint in a building overlooking the hostile operations. The enemy poured artillery fire into the building and inflicted heavy casualties, but he held fast. When the enemy moved an 88-mm. cannon on his flank, he led a few men with two BAR’s through small arms and grenade fire to a point close to the enemy and destroyed the artillery piece. The courage and leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Coyle enabled his men to maintain a vital position from which his platoon could launch its assault in the final drive that cleared the enemy from the south end of the **** Bridge. 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.