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 Sergeant James F. Tracy (ASN: 155901), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 1st Engineers, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, 9 October 1918. Without waiting for orders, Sergeant Tracy voluntarily led a patrol against an enemy machine-gun which was threatening the advance of our troops and delivering a severe fire into our ranks. By his skillful and courageous efforts the machine-gun was captured. He continued to lead his men forward under the severe artillery and machine-gun fire until he was killed.