Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company D, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army (Company D, 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division "Thunderbolt", U.S. Army)

James C. Bullington, 34376914, Sergeant, (then Private), Company D, 331st Infantry, United States Army. For distinguishing himself by gallantry in action near Carentan, France, on 5 July 1944. Sergeant Bullington was serving as an ammunition bearer in a heavy machine gun squad when it became necessary to move a friendly rifle company to an adjacent hedgerow during a heavy enemy counterattack. Sergeant Bullington unhesitatingly volunteered to man, single handed, a machine gun while the company secured another position. Although the enemy came close enough to throw hand grenades at him he heroically held his position until the rifle company had time to organize. After expending his last round of ammunition he not only worked his own way successfully to the new postion under heavy enemy small arms and automatic fire but safely pulled his machine gun with him.
Sergeant Bullington’s courageous performance of duty materially contributed to the success of the maneuver. The coolness under fire and inspiring devotion to duty of this non-commissioned officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service of the United States. Entered military service from Tennessee.

General Orders No. 81, Headquarters, 83rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army (10 December 1944).
Posthumously awarded.