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World War II
Gave his life
Willy F. James Jr.
Private First Class · U.S. Army
7 April 1945 · Lippoldsberg, Germany
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- World War II
- Action
- Lippoldsberg, Germany
The citation
Official 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.