The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private James D. Hamner (ASN: 38060569), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy forces near Norzagaray, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 27 March 1945. Private Hamner was a member of a platoon attacking a strong enemy in commanding positions on the crest of a hill. When an enlisted man accompanying an officer far in advance of the main body was wounded, this officer dragged him to partial cover and then engaged the enemy with hand grenades. Observing the two men pinned down by enemy fire within twenty-five yards of the hostile machine gun nest, Private Hamner voluntarily left his squad and moved toward them. Because of the lack of cover, he was forced to expose himself at frequent intervals. He located and killed an enemy machine gunner. In the face of concentrated fire, he continued crawling forward across an open area until he was killed by a camouflaged machine gun. Private Hamner’s gallant sacrifice in attempting to save the lives of two comrades exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.