On September 27, 1944, at Rechicourt, France, 1st Lt. James H. Fields displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during a sharp action against enemy infantry and tank forces. He personally led his depleted platoon in a counterattack that accomplished its mission despite overwhelming opposition. After one of his men was wounded, he left his slit trench to administer first aid, then was himself severely wounded by a shell burst that tore through his face and head and left him unable to speak. Refusing evacuation, he continued to lead by hand signals. When two enemy machineguns trapped part of his unit under deadly crossfire, he ran to a light machinegun whose crew had been knocked out and fired from the hip with such accuracy that both enemy gun positions were silenced. His example inspired his men to renew the fight with greater firepower, and only after the objective had been taken and the enemy scattered did he agree to be evacuated to the battalion command post. Even there, he refused to move farther back until he had drawn for his battalion commander the positions of his men and the disposition of the enemy forces. His heroism was largely responsible for repulsing the enemy and helping secure his battalion's objective.