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 Dr. Mercer Green Johnston, a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action as a member of the Y.M.C.A., attached to the American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 27 October 1918. After volunteering and going to the front line through heavy bombardment for the purpose of burying the dead, Dr. Johnston found the litter service of the 101st Infantry, badly disorganized on account of heavy casualties and intense shelling. He immediately took charge of the litter bearers, reorganized the service, took care of the slightly wounded himself, saw to the procuring and loading of ambulances, and, although badly gassed and suffering severely, refused to leave his post until all had been taken care of.