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 Technician Fifth Grade James Robert Flannigan (ASN: 36857223), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery A, 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 1 December 1944, in Germany. On that date Technician Fifth Grade Flannigan was serving as a radio operator of a forward observer party which was accompanying a rifle company of the 8th Infantry Regiment during an assault on enemy positions in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany. When the company was cut off and surrounded by strong enemy forces, Corporal Flannigan voluntarily carried a message through the enemy lines, killing one German and capturing another as he fought the way to the Battalion Command Post. Technician Fifth Grade Flannigan’s conspicuous heroism, determination, and loyal devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.