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 Neely (ASN: 2705815), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 146th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cierges, France, 28 September 1918. After his platoon had withdrawn about 50 yards to an established line, a wounded comrade was seen lying ahead, in the position which they formerly occupied. The enemy had just launched a strong counterattack, but Private Neely, with another soldier, volunteered to go to the assistance of the wounded man. In the face of terrific fire of enemy artillery and machine guns, and the fire of their own comrades, who were resisting the attack, Private Neely succeeded in bringing his man to a place of safety.