The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) James Frank Skells (ASN: 0-19830), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy on 12 February 1944, on Mount Castellone, Italy, near Cairo, Italy. The Third Battalion was in a defensive position on the south slope of Mount Castellone when just before dawn the Germans laid down an intense mortar and artillery barrage lasting two hours. Following the barrage the Germans launched a fierce counterattack penetrating our lines, necessitating reorganization of the front line elements. With complete disregard for his own life under intense artillery, mortar, machine gun and rifle fire he went forward to the forward elements of the battalion, reorganized the companies, placed the machine guns in position and directed their fire against the enemy. He then took command of the remaining elements of Companies I and K and personally led his Battalion in a quick, vicious counterattack against the Germans, forcing them to withdraw. Accomplishing his mission he placed his reserve unit on the flank securing the Battalion’s position. His magnificent courage, outstanding devotion to duty and superb leadership is a perpetual inspiration to the troops under his command, and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.