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 (Cavalry) James P. Castleman, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 13th Cavalry, in action at Columbus, New Mexico, on 9 March 1916. During the attack on the town of Columbus by Mexicans under Villa, Lieutenant Castleman, by his gallant conduct and the successful and effective disposition of his troops in defense, save the lives of many civilians and prevented the loss of much property in the town.