The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James Butler Bonham (ASN: 0-23107), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, in 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham took personal command of a task force consisting of one infantry battalion and two Philippine Army Battalions. The enemy was strongly entrenched, well armed, and were bitterly defending a long, vertical-sided ridge. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham accompanied several patrols which had been sent out to determine enemy strengths and dispositions. Despite handicaps of difficult terrain, long supply routes, which were constantly under enemy fire and lack of water, the task force seized key positions and held them despite repeated heavy enemy counterattack, holding them until the cessation of hostilities. Lieutenant Colonel Bonham’s personal leadership, coolness under fire, determination and resourcefulness were an inspiration to his officers and men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Bonham, 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.