James E. Flannery

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James E. Flannery, Captain, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 79th Infantry Division on 19 November 1944, near Hattigny, France. When his unit was pinned down in woods near the French town of Hattigny, Captain Flannery crawled to within 20 yards of German lines, then crawled back to his troops to plan an attack. Under cover of darkness, he led three platoons to positions within 30 yards of enemy forces before leading the nighttime raid. Despite being outnumbered, his unit drove the German battalion from the field, killing 33. Captain Flannery’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 79th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.