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 Lewis (ASN: 284458), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, October 4 – 11, 1918. Sergeant Lewis volunteered repeatedly for dangerous missions; and, a private at the time, took command of the platoon when all the noncommissioned officers had become casualties. In leading his men forward, he inspired them by his personal bravery, ably directing the consolidation of the objective when taken. Placed in permanent command of his platoon by his company commander, he led an attack with marked disregard of personal danger and later led ration and water details through heavily gassed and shelled areas to obtain supplies for his men.