The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James R. Scott (ASN: 18020209), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 20 February 1945. During an assault on a strongly fortified position on Spicheren Heights, France, Private First Class Scott’s squad was held up byfire from an enemy pillbox. Under protective fire from his squad, he crawled around to the rear of the pillbox and entered it. Caught completely by surprise, the thirteen enemy soldiers in the pillbox surrendered without further resistance. Private First Class Scott’s courageous action eliminated the hostile strongpoint and enabled his unit to advance to its objective.