The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) James P. Burns (ASN: 0-265547), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 and 24 May 1945. On two occasions during the fierce and arduous fighting along the Villa Verde Trail, Colonel Burns inspired his exhausted men to advance in the face of murderous machine gun and rifle fire. On 19 May, after ten days of furious fighting over rugged mountainous terrain and through twisted and broken brush, the remnants of Company B, 128th Infantry Regiment were almost completely exhausted physically and their morale had been lowered by heavy losses which left only two officers and sixty-four men. Pinned down on the east slope of Hill 508 by extremely heavy machine gun and rifle fire, they were not only holding up the attack of the 1st Battalion but were also endangering other troops. Exposing himself to enemy fire, Colonel Burns calmly walked in front of the company in full view of the Japanese and, talking to his men, encouraged them to advance. He then audaciously moved forward at the head of his re-heartened men and directed them in securing the objective. Five days later, Company C was pinned down by heavy machine gun and rifle fire and the haggard men seemed unable to advance. Disregarding heavy enemy fire, Colonel Burns fearlessly walked in front of the company and rallied his men for an attack. As he courageously led the assault, he was hit and fatally wounded by a burst of enemy machine gun fire, but his men continued on and completed their mission. At the cost of his life, Colonel Burns twice restored the confidence of his weary men by a magnificent exhibition of inspirational leadership and enabled his troops to obtain their objective. Lieutenant Colonel Burns’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.