Sponsored by:

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James McKeekan Wilson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ammertzviller, Alsace, the night of 8 July 1918. Second Lieutenant Wilson returned under fire into enemy barbed-wire to recover two of his patrol who were missing after a raid, and, although painfully wounded himself, brought them safely to the American trenches, concealing the fact of his injury until he had succeeded in his undertaking and fainted from exhaustion.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    126th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 5 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James M. Wilson, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Wilson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Vosges sector, France, 8 July 1918, in bringing his patrol safely back to our lines after being severely wounded.