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 Captain (Air Service) James E. Wallis, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 1st Army Observation Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Metz, France, 13 September 1918. While on a reconnaissance under the most adverse weather conditions, which necessitated flying at an extremely low altitude, he, with his pilot, penetrated the enemy’s territory to a depth of 25 kilometers. Attacked by five enemy planes, they destroyed one and forced the others to retire. In heavy fire from the ground they continued on their mission until it was completed.