The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Stephen Higley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Very, France, 27 September 1918. Lieutenant Higley fearlessly led his platoon under heavy enemy fire, from Mont des Allieux through the enemy position in the Bois-de-Cheppy. The following day he again valiantly led his platoon against enemy machine-gun positions near Very and continued leading the attack until killed by enemy fire.