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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 Major (Infantry) James Barbout Nalle, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at La Tuilerie Farm, France, 22 July 1918. While making an inspection of the two leading battalions of the regiment on the night of July 22 – 23, Major Nalle entered La Tuilerie Farm and found it occupied. As his party was leaving the farm, persons were heard approaching, and fearing that his men might fire upon friendly troops, he stepped from behind the wall and challenged the party. He was immediately fired upon and killed.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 22 – 23, 1918

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Infantry) James B. Nalle, United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Major Nalle while inspecting two leading battalions of the regiment on the night of 22 – 23 July 1918, entered the farm of La Tieulerie, finding it was occupied. As his party was leaving persons were hear approaching. Not knowing whether they were friends or enemies and fearing that his men might make a mistake and fire upon friendly troops he took upon himself the duty of stepping out from behind the farm wall and challenging the approaching party. He was immediately fired upon and killed. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]