The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Edwin Hickey Rumbough, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 3 December, 1944. Lieutenant Rumbough voluntarily led a patrol forward to gain contact with the enemy. While advancing, the patrol encountered heavy hostile fire which killed the lead scout and seriously wounded the other scout. With utter disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Rumbough moved forward over the fire swept terrain to rescue the wounded soldier. In the performance of this heroic deed, Lieutenant Rumbough was killed. His great courage, intrepidity, and high sense of loyalty to his men exemplify the finest qualities of an officer, and are in keeping with the high traditions upon which the military forces of the United States have been founded.