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Pfc James V. Polio worked for the Baltimore and Ohio railroad.

He enlisted in Erie, Pennsylvania on 14 November 1942.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation stated: On the afternoon of 28 November 1944, elements of the company to which Pvt Polio was assigned were advancing towards their objective when they were suddenly pinned down to the ground by heavy machine gun and sniper fire from well-concealed enemy positions 300 yards to their immediate front. Pvt Polio, voluntarily and on his own initiative, crawled from his covered position and, at great risk to his life, advanced toward the enemy, exposing himself to the merciless fire in order to locate the enemy positions. After ascertaining the enemy's disposition and relaying this information to his company commander, he nevertheless continued to advance on the hostile positions in the face of intense fire, attacking and eliminating a machine gun nest with a rifle grenade. He then continued on into the enemy positions, using his rifle and hand grenades to wipe out a second machine gun nest before being killed by sniper fire. His heroic sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades in the subsequent advance of the company. His action, far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States and reflects the highest credit on Pvt Polio and the military service.