Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 20 – November 16, 1944
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 88 (July 29, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James P. Sutton (NSN: 0-265830), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action at Leyte, Philippine Islands, from 20 October to 16 November 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sutton landed with the leading assault wave of an infantry regiment at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 October and in the first fifteen minutes while many others were pinned down, located and rendered save, land mines of the beach. Soon thereafter as the troops advanced, he facilitated mopping-up operations by disarming booby traps. In this action the also killed two enemy snipers which undoubtedly saved the lives of several men. During the advance up the Leyte Valley, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sutton, in a heroic manner, removed more than one hundred mines which had been emplaced by the enemy. While performing these acts, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sutton was well forward and frequently under fire with our leading elements and greatly facilitated their rapid advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.