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 (Cavalry) James Willie Farmer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer, Troop C, 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Separate), in action against enemy forces on 7 and 8 March 1945, in the vicinity of Altenahr, Germany. Armed only with a carbine, Lieutenant Farmer single-handedly surprised and forced the surrender of more than 150 soldiers attempting to cross a railroad bridge. Pushing forward with his mechanized reconnaissance, he was almost blown from his vehicle by the concussion of an anti-tank rocket. However, he placed effective machine gun fire, killing four members of a machine gun crew. Despite tremendous odds, he personally led a dismounted attack upon another enemy force which resulted in their elimination. In the absence of artillery support, Lieutenant Farmer gained and secured all his assigned objectives and at the same time destroyed approximately 25 vehicles and killed or captured more than 200 enemy troops. First Lieutenant Farmer’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.