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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Lieutenant (Infantry) James J. Roach, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 4 October 1918. As Lieutenant Roach and an infantry captain were making a reconnaissance under enemy fire both of them were wounded by machine-gun bullets. Disregarding his own wound, Lieutenant Roach secured assistance for his wounded companion and then organized his platoon and the infantrymen nearby for an expected hostile counterattack. After seeing that all his guns were in position and his men under cover from the increasing enemy fire, though he was weak from loss of blood, he assisted in carrying the wounded captain to the aid station.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) James J. Roach, United States Army, is cited 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 8th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the morning of 15 July 1918, First Lieutenant Roach, while inspecting gun positions southeast of Chateau-Thierry, was caught in an open field by the terrific enemy bombardment, in spite of which he made his way through shell fire to his Post of Command. He showed remarkable bravery and decision in replacing a machine gun which had been disabled, and in organizing his platoon for the immediate attack. Throughout the entire barrage his coolness and intrepidity under fire were a source of inspiration to his men.