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 Staff Sergeant James A. VanHooser (ASN: 34526848), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 16 March 1945. During action near Brutdorf, Germany, Sergeant VanHooser’s company was subjected to an enemy air attack. When one of his comrades was stunned by an exploding bomb and lay exposed to strafing fire, Sergeant VanHooser, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran to the man and covered him with his own body. He was hit and later died from his wounds, but his unselfish heroism lives on as an inspiration to the men with whom he served. Staff Sergeant VanHooser’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 26th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.