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 Private First Class James Grafhorst (ASN: 35008236), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 March 1945, near Heisterbacherott, Germany. On that date, a sudden burst of machine gun fire pinned down Private First Class Grafhorst’s platoon. He fearlessly assaulted the machine gun position, firing his automatic rifle from his hip as he advanced. Within ten yards of the emplacement, he threw in a grenade and, following it with a burst of fire, killed the enemy gun crew. His heroic conduct inspired the other members of the platoon to continue the attack and capture the assigned objective. Private First Class Grafhorst’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 78th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.