(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Infantry) Russell James Wildey, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, 3d Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Sanananda, New Guinea, on 26 December 1942. Captain Wildey led his company over bullet-swept terrain to successfully penetrate the enemy position. Assuming a position about 10 yards in front of his men, he led them in an assault on the strongly-fortified Japanese position near Sanananda. After advancing about 50 yards the unit was stopped by heavy automatic fire. Captain Wildey reorganized his men and continued to lead them into the storm of Japanese fire. He was wounded in the thigh by a rifle bullet, but he refused aid, regained his feet, and continued to lead the advance until he was wounded a second time, this time in the leg. Captain Wildey’s daring leadership on this occasion was the decisive factor in an important advance and the enemy position was successfully penetrated. Captain Wildey’s outstanding leadership, 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.