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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant James J. Wallerius (ASN: 553715), 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 Company B, 8th Machine Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Sergeant Wallerius showed exceptional courage and valor in front of Montfaucon, in October 1918, when a direct hit was made on a dugout and two of his men were imprisoned therein. He stood in plain view of the enemy and directed the rescue of the men under direct machine gun and rifle fire. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    8th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1918
    War Department, General Orders 89 (1919)

    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 Sergeant James J. Wallerius (ASN: 553715), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 8th Machine-Gun Battalion, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Montfaucon, France, 8 October 1918. When an enemy shell struck a dug-out, burying two soldiers, Sergeant Wallerius, in plain view of the enemy, directed the work of getting the men out under heavy shell and direct machine-gun fire, displaying the utmost fearlessness. This soldier was in command of his platoon for 11 days of action, leading his men with marked ability and conspicuous bravery.