Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 265 (September 24, 1945)
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 A. Krucas (ASN: 0-1321782), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 15 October 1944. During a fierce enemy counterattack near Verlautenheide, Germany, Lieutenant Krucas skillfully deployed his outnumbered platoon in defensive positions and courageously advancing alone, using hand grenades, forced the enemy to withdraw. In the ensuing bitter action this gallant officer personally repulsed four separate hostile attacks, inflicting heavy casualties upon them. After charging to the assistance of a surrounded mortar section, he audaciously rallied his depleted force and counterattacked the numerically superior enemy, clearing them from the area. Lieutenant Krucas’ heroic, inspiring leadership and dauntless actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.