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) James W. Wilson (ASN: 0-423340), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 6th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 January 1944, in the vicinity of Mount Porchia, Italy. At the end of 36 hours of hard fighting, Captain Wilson and his depleted company of forty men reached a small stream bed at the foot of Mount Porchia. After being subjected to heavy enemy shelling for a period of three hours in this position, Captain Wilson courageously ran to the front of his company’s positions and personally led an assault across 250 yards of open, fire-swept fields. Inspired by their commander’s example, the members of the company rushed the principal enemy position, quickly overran it, and captured approximately forty prisoners. Shortly thereafter, the enemy launched a counterattack which was successful in re-capturing the hill crest from an adjacent unit. For the next seven hours vicious close-in fighting raged, and positions held by Captain Wilson’s company were threatened seriously by the onrushing enemy. Though repeatedly subjected to intense sniper fire and grenade bursts, Captain Wilson moved among his troops to encourage and control his men. Armed with submachine gun and grenades he personally led small groups in assaulting the enemy, and his persistent efforts finally drove the enemy from the crest. Throughout the action Captain Wilson’s skillful leadership and stubborn determination provided a constant source of inspiration to his men, and his courageous performance was largely responsible for capturing and holding an important terrain feature. Captain Wilson’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, the 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.