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 Sergeant James McDonald (ASN: 263604), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Sergy, France. July 31. 1918. After his platoon commander had fallen wounded at the beginning of the advance, and the platoon was becoming demoralized under intense machine gun and artillery fire, Sergeant McDonald assumed command, steadied his men, and led them in a successful attack in a further advance of 150 yards, gaining an important objective and strengthening the defense of the captured position of Hill 212.