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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Alexander Jesse MacNab, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 10 December 1942 to 3 January 1943, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Lieutenant Colonel MacNab, constantly and without attention to his own safety, visited his front line units, which were under heavy enemy small arms fire, and encouraged his men to push their attacks. His repeated personal direction of reconnaissance and combat patrols was directly responsible for their success. On 18 December 1942 he personally led a patrol against an enemy pillbox which was holding up the advance of his battalion, covering the advance of grenadiers with rifle fire, and participating in the final successful grenade assault. To insure proper co-ordination with allied forces attacking with his battalion on 3 January 1943, he personally directed his companies from the most forward positions. Lieutenant Colonel MacNab’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty were an inspiration to the troops serving under him and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.