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 Archie Gordon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 2d Battalion, 162d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Tambu Bay, New Guinea, on 4 August 1943. As leader of a combat Infantry patrol near Tambu Bay, Second Lieutenant Gordon led his men up a narrow ridge to within 10 yards of an enemy defensive position before being discovered. He immediately opened fire, killing one of the enemy and silencing a light machine gun. Enemy fire superiority forced the patrol to withdraw to another position, from which point he took the machine gun from the mound and advanced, firing from the hip, enabling his patrol to proceed under his cover to a point within grenade range of the enemy emplacement. He then destroyed the enemy position with rifle grenades, making it possible for his patrol to advance and capture the enemy machine gun. Second Lieutenant Gordon’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.