The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade James W. Jackson (ASN: 33050898), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 5 July 1944, near ****, France. When Technician Fourth Grade Jackson’s battalion was stopped in a dense woods by enemy small arms, rifle grenades, and mortar fire, one platoon was ordered to flank the enemy attack. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant were seriously wounded and Technician Fourth Grade Jackson took control of the platoon and acted as the battalion’s lead scout. He advanced through dense undergrowth and woods in complete darkness, selected a satisfactory route of advance for the battalion, located all enemy outposts and centers of resistance. He led the battalion to a position on Hill No. 95 where they assembled and set up an all round defense in preparation of an attack on the enemy’s rear element. When attacked by the enemy in the course of this action, Technician Fourth Grade Jackson returned their fire with hand grenades and forced the Germans to withdraw from their positions. Technician Fourth Grade Jackson frequently exposed himself to draw fire from possible enemy positions. Throughout the night, Technician Fourth Grade Jackson advanced aggressively, concerned only for his unit’s safety and the successful completion of its mission. By his superior scouting and soldiering ability, Technician Fourth Grade Jackson’s battalion was able to secure Hill No. 95 with minimum losses. 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.