The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James Aubrey Cooper, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 3d Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, between Berzy-le-Sec and Soissons, France, July 18 – 19, 1918. Second Lieutenant Cooper’s leadership under fire was distinguished by heroic conduct and the prompt utilization of every advantage. Through his fearlessness, devotion to duty, and while leading the men forward on the second day he was killed.