- SURNAME
Sidley
- FORENAME
James N.,Jr
- UNIT
508 Parachute Infantry Regiment (HQ Company 3 Bn)
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
16170046
- DATE OF DEATH
23rd September 1944
- AGE
23
- GRAVESITE
buried Ohio
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Cook County,Illinois
born Ohio
entered service 4.12.1942 Chicago,Illinois
award Silver Star
KIA Ooijpolder,Holland
DATE OF DEATH:
23-Sep-1944AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/sidley-james-n-jr.38951/CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James N. Sidley (ASN: 16170046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Sergeant Sidley, leading a Light Machine Gun section in our attack along the Waal River south of *** performed his duties in a most exemplary manner, controlling the guns of his section in order to bring most effective fire upon the enemy. When German forces counter-attacked and brought extremely heavy machine gun and mortar fire upon our position, two men of the Light Machine Gun crew were injured. Sergeant Sidley ran across open ground, placed the gun back in action and continued its fire, stopping an enemy thrust dangerously close to our lines and allowing the evacuation of the injured crew. During a second counter-thrust in the Company I sector, Sergeant Sidley attempted to move his section in support, but the group was pinned down. Finally realizing the danger of delay, he managed to place one gun in action, manning it alone from an exposed position. He delivered effective fire upon the enemy and the counter-attacking troops were compelled to divert their efforts in order to meet his fire. The Light Machine Gun Section was enabled to withdraw and the enemy thrust was delayed. This heroic act by Sergeant Sidley broke the attack and saved his section. Sergeant Sidley was killed in the accomplishment of a gallant deed that exemplifies the highest traditions of the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/91570
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