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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James Howland Donaldson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 28 May 1918. At the crucial moment of a strong enemy counterattack launched while the 28th Infantry was digging in and strengthening its newly captured position in front of Cantigny, Lieutenant Donaldson with great courage and splendid leadership, seeing one flank of a company without officer giving ground under intense fire, rushed over an area swept by concentrated machine-gun fire, steadied and reorganized the unit, and in conjunction with his own platoon led them in a successful counterattack, regaining all ground and holding for three days against persistent efforts by the enemy to dislodge him.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James Howland Donaldson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Berzy-le-Sec, France, 21 July 1918. His captain having been killed, and after three days of continuous fighting, with many casualties, Lieutenant Donaldson reorganized his company and with such other available men as could be found led the attacking first wave on Berzy-le-Sec, displaying rare courage and splendid leadership, advancing in front of his company through a terrific enemy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Charging at the head of his men, five enemy machine-gun nests were destroyed, this officer personally killing two gunners with his pistol. Later his company was halted by terrific machine-gun fire from the front and left flank. Lieutenant Donaldson rushed to the edge of the wood, drove the enemy gunners to flight, and calling on his men to follow he led them through a treacherous muddy swamp across the river Crise in mud and water waist deep, in the face of terrific enemy artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire. Upon reaching the river bank Lieutenant Donaldson was wounded but refused to be evacuated to the hospital, remaining on duty during several counterattacks until relieved two days later.