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 Private James A. Murray (ASN: 89435), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Meurcy Farm, France, 30 July 1918. While on duty as a runner, Private Murray repeatedly crossed a field swept by heavy enemy machine-gun and artillery fire. Although wounded by enemy fire he continued on his hazardous duty. Discovering five severely wounded men lying exposed to terrific fire he bravely made his way to them, dragged two of the men to safety and assisted others in rescuing the three remaining men. He was again wounded while so engaged and was carried from the field. The bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Private Murray greatly strengthened the morale of the men of his battalion.