James E. Rountree

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (posthumously) to Captain James E. Rountree, 0356176, Infantry, 314th Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 14 July 1944 in France. When the advance of his company was arrested by an intense concentration of enemy artillery and mortar fire, augmented by small arms fire, Captain Rountree valiantly crawled forward under the barrage, at tremendous risk, to reconnoiter for positions to which he could move his company out of the danger zone. He then returned and led his men up into position, after which he again went forward, under enemy observation and intense fire to locate positions for observations posts. It was while he was thus engaged that he was instantly killed by enemy artillery fire. The indomitable courage, devotion to duty and fealty to his command reflect the highest credit on Captain Rountree and the armed forces of the United States.