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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James F. McMahon (ASN: 0-1301588), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 January 30, 1944, in the vicinity of Cairo, Italy. On that date, First Lieutenant McMahon led his company in an attack on a strongly defended German hill position. While advancing toward the enemy front line through heavy machine gun fire, mine fields, and barbed wire, his company was pinned down by point blank fire from an enemy 75-mm. gun. Realizing that his company could advance no further without supporting fire, First Lieutenant McMahon decided to contact friendly tanks operating in the vicinity. He started out alone, under direct enemy observation and fire, and crossed approximately 400 yards of open terrain to contact the armor. First Lieutenant McMahon was knocked to the ground twice by blasts from the hostile 75-mm. weapon, but he continued his advance. Upon reaching the American tanks, he secured the use of two vehicles and led them back to his company. As the tanks cleared a path through the barbed wire and mine field, First Lieutenant McMahon led his company behind the armor. Reaching the objective, he led his men in assaulting, securing and holding the position. First Lieutenant McMahon’s courageous actions under fire and his aggressive leadership reflect the finest traditions of the Army of the United States.