James L. Kaiser

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James L. Kaiser (0-24085), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 January 1945, in Belgium. When an attack by his battalion on a strongly defended village threatened to bog down, Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser, with complete disregard for the hazard of withering fire and by personal aggressiveness, led the attack through eight hours of bitter fighting to successfully reach the Battalion’s objective in an advance of 2,500 yards. As a result of the action, 150 enemy troops including a Battalion Commander and his entire Staff were captured together with a great deal of material. Lieutenant Colonel Kaiser’s inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.