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 (Infantry) James L. Pence (ASN: 0-1286176), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Captain Pence, although severely wounded upon debarking from his craft in the invasion, ignored his painful wounds and immediately set about in reorganizing his men. In this effort, he constantly exposed himself to intense machine gun and artillery fire. Refusing all efforts to get him under cover and to dress his wounds, he continued in his movements up and down the fire-swept beach spending every effort toward getting the attack under way again until he collapsed from the effects of his wounds. Captain Pence’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 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.