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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Patrick Sutton (NSN: 0-265830), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in action on 3 and 8 February 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sutton was attached as Mine Sapper to a Cavalry Division advancing toward Manila, on Luzon, Philippine Islands. On 3 February, near ****, the advance was suddenly halted by a large mine placed across a bridge over which the column had to pass. The enemy quickly ignited the fuse of the mine, then covered the approach with heavy fire. Fully aware that the bridge might blow up at any moment, Lieutenant Sutton moved forward under enemy fire, crossed the span to the mine and cut the fuse, thus allowing the column to continue its advance on ****. On 8 February, while fighting in ***** leading elements of the Division encountered a heavy mine field. Moving in advance of the leading tanks Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sutton began clearing the mine field under enemy fire, and although wounded in this action continued with his mission until the column was able to resume its advance. Through his gallantry and outstanding heroism in the face of grave danger, Lieutenant Sutton contributed outstandingly to the rapid annihilation of the enemy.