James F. Mcmahon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. McMahon (0-1301588), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 30 January 30, 1944, in the vicinity of Cairo, Italy. First Lieutenant McMahon led his company in an attack on a strongly defended German hill position. While advancing toward the enemy front line through heavy machine gun fire, mine fields and barbed wire, his company was pinned down by point-blank fire from an enemy 755-mm. gun. First Lieutenant McMahon’s intrepid leadership, 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, his unit, and the United States Army.