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 (Chaplain’s Corps) James Matthew Hanley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Villers-sur-Fere, France, 28 July 1918. Leaving his place of safety, Chaplain Hanley voluntarily faced the fire of artillery and machine guns, so that he could administer to the wounded. He disregarded advice of his commanding officer to cease exposing himself, and he remained, giving first aid, comforting, cheering, and hearing confessions of the dying. After he had been severely wounded, he was taken to the rear.