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 First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) James E. Seater (ASN: 0-890451), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 14th Engineer Regiment (Philippine Scouts), Philippine Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of the North Channel, Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, on the night of 24 – 25 April 1942. Having volunteered to lead a vitally important and extremely hazardous reconnaissance mission for the purpose of securing information of enemy dispositions and strength urgently needed by the Commanding General, United States Forces in the Philippines, Lieutenant Seater and his volunteer crew set out in total darkness on board a small armed motor launch. Encountering a large enemy patrol boat which immediately opened fire, this valiant officer exchanged shots which set the hostile vessel afire, after which he engaged another smaller hostile patrol ship and four small armed vessels of approximately sixty feet, which had been attracted by the flames and shelling, with the result that the largest boat was probably sunk and severe damage inflicted on the other units of the hostile patrol. Although his craft was damaged by enemy fire, and certain members of the crew wounded, Lieutenant Seater succeeded in safely returning the craft to his base. First Lieutenant Seater’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 and the United States Army.