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 Alexander Connelly, French Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Lafayette Escadrille, French Air Service, near Suippes, France, 6 September 1918. An American pilot, serving with the French Army, Sergeant-pilot Connelly attacked a formation of twelve enemy planes (Fokker type), shooting down the Flight Commander and forcing the remainder to seek safety. He continued with the unequal combat until his ammunition was exhausted.