(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Technical Sergeant James Lee Bayliss (ASN: 6262770), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 18 December 1944. Technical Sergeant Bayliss unit was in positions defending the twin villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath, Schnee-Eifel, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. His battalion deployed east of the village alone the woods, where a company of German tanks had been brought close to the American line during the battle of the previous night. On the morning of 18 December, the Germans attacked with tanks and battalion strength infantry inside Rocherath and the American position was overrun. Technical Sergeant Bayliss manned his machine gun during the effort to form a defense behind what was left of the Battalion position, and despite heavy enemy fire, continued to provide cover for the men of his company at the road junction near Rocherath until he was killed by tank fire. Technical Sergeant Bayliss’ 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 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.