James A. Ridley

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Ridley, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bellicourt, France, September 29 – 30, 1918, and near Mazinghein, France, October 19, 1918. Taking command of his company after the company and second in command had been wounded, Lieutenant Ridley lead his men through an intense artillery barrage and assisted in reducing eleven enemy machine-gun nests, capturing 150 prisoners and several machine guns, which were successfully put in operation against the enemy. Near Mazinghein, France, on October 19, he led his company forward to advanced positions under terrific artillery fire, inspiring his men by his coolness and bravery.