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 Staff Sergeant James Leo Ferguson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Kwajalein, on 2 February 1944. Staff Sergeant Ferguson, a machine gun section leader, emplaced his guns in a front line position where they became objects of enemy artillery fire and frequent attacks. Throughout the night, to quiet and reassure his men, he exposed himself repeatedly to hazards of Japanese shell bursts and grenades, and held his ground. At dawn, extremely heavy artillery fire was placed upon the positions, causing American troops to withdraw, but even though he had been wounded, Staff Sergeant Ferguson and two other men remained at the guns. After one of the two men was killed and the other wounded, Staff Sergeant Ferguson manned the one gun fit for action, beating down a counter-attack and holding the position until reinforcement came up. Staff Sergeant Ferguson’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 and the United States Army.