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 Sergeant James A. Claflin (ASN: 5911), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 5th Machine-Gun Battalion (Attached), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Thiaucourt, France, 13 September 1918. In a territory swept by the direct fire of two German batteries Sergeant Claflin displayed great courage and devotion to duty in giving first aid to the wounded and in superintending their removal to a place of safety.