The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, in lieu of a previously issued Certificate of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal, to Corporal William H. Bowden, United States Army, for distinguished conduct while serving as a member of Company C, 27th Infantry Regiment, in rescuing a fellow soldier from drowning in the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin, on 25 June 1912.