James E. Wallis, Jr.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James E. Wallis, Jr., Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Metz, France, September 13, 1918. While on a reconnaissance under the most adverse weather conditions, which necessitated flying at an extremely low altitude, he, with his pilot, penetrated the enemy’s territory to a depth of 25 kilometers. Attacked by five enemy planes, they destroyed one and forced the others to retire. In heavy fire from the ground they continued on their mission until it was completed.