Delancey Kane Jay

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Delancey Kane Jay, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Chateau du Diable, near Fismes, France, August 27, 1918. With utter disregard of his own safety Major Jay left the shelter of his command post and personally directed the attack of his battalion against the strongly fortified enemy position in and about Chateau du Diable north of the Vesle River. From the beginning of the attack he stood on a railroad embankment within 70 meters of the enemy line, fully exposed to their observation, and under a continuous and intense fire of concealed machine guns, rifles, and artillery. From this position he continued to direct, control, and encourage his officers and men during the progress of the attack, and even after he had been wounded and until exhausted by loss of blood. He refused to be evacuated until he had given full instructions to his second in command and until all wounded enlisted men had been evacuated. His exceptional example of physical and mental courage was an inspiration to all his officers and men under the most trying and dangerous conditions.