The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
Willy F. James, Jr.
Private First Class, U.S.
Army
General Order:
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945 near
Lippoldsberg, Germany. As lead scout during a maneuver to secure and expand a vital
bridgehead, Private First Class James was the first to draw enemy fire. He was pinned down
for over an hour, during which time he observed enemy positions in detail. Returning to
his platoon, he assisted in working out a new plan of maneuver. He then led a squad in the
assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy
machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader. Private
First Class James' fearless, self-assigned actions, coupled with his diligent devotion to
duty exemplified the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.
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