The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Abner Flowers, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Cote-de-Chatillon, France, October 15 – 16, 1918. Captain Flowers, after his battalion commander was wounded and evacuated early in the attack, took command and reorganized the remnants of the 2d and 3d Battalions, leading them to a successful final attack. Captain Flowers, disregarding his own danger, made a personal reconnaissance alone and ascertained that the enemy was preparing for a counterattack. Then leading his battalion in a final assault the command repulsed the counterattack and captured or killed practically the entire force of the enemy. His disregard for his own personal safety, coolness, and good judgment were an inspiration to his men and encouraged them to continue to their final objective.