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 Private First Class James Wilson (ASN: 39565583), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), in action against enemy forces at Negros Island, Philippine Islands, on 24 April 1945. Private First Class Wilson was a first scout in Company F, 503d Parachute infantry Regiment, whose objective was a hill from which enemy machine gun fire had inflicted numerous casualties upon the unit during the previous two days. Making his way alone along the slope of the hill, Private First Class Wilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, destroyed one of the Japanese machine gun bunkers with a hand grenade and killed two of the enemy who were attempting to cover their escape. Moving forward, Private First Class Wilson threw another grenade into a rifle emplacement, intending to neutralize the machine gun position in its rear with sub-machine gun fire. However, he gun jammed, exploding a round which injured both his hands. Then, although temporarily pinned down by strong enemy fire, Private First Class Wilson managed to return to his platoon where he obtained a rocket launcher. With an assistant, he again went forward and succeeded in knocking out the second machine gun position. Private First Class Wilson displayed great bravery and resourcefulness in destroying two enemy machine gun positions. Private First Class Wilson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.