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 [then Technician Fifth Grade] James R. Pederson (ASN: 19099770), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 June 1944, at ****, France. Technician Fourth Grade Pederson obtained a jeep to remove litter patients from one Aid Station to another a mile distant. With complete disregard for his own life and personal safety, he made six trips over the only open route, a stretch of road under direct enemy observation and small arms and mortar fire. In the course of these trips, the vehicle was hit many times with small arms fire and several boxes of 57-mm. shells on the hood were completely riddled. Due to this act of conspicuous gallantry all of the patients were removed from immediate danger to a place of moderate safety without the loss of one life. Technician Fourth Grade Pederson’s actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.