Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1943

"For gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 - 24 January 1943 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Colonel Dalton personally led a patrol of eighteen infantrymen in an attack to be undertaken in co-ordination with another similar patrol, on an enemy position which had been previously located. The other patrol was halted by enemy machine gun and rifle fire. The patrol led by Lieutenant Colonel Dalton proceeded into the enemy-infested area and relieved the pressure from the other patrol, killing ten of the enemy. The following day Lieutenant Colonel Dalton organized a larger patrol which cleared the area of all enemy resistance, killing thirty-five of the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 63

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 23 to 28 January 1945, in the vicinity of New Georgia. Colonel Dalton's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 38.
Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Unit:

161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning", U.S. Army

(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) James Leo Dalton, II (ASN: 0-19100), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, from 1942 to 1945.