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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Preston Alexander McLendon, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action as Assistant Surgeon, serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Blanc Mont, France, October 3 – 4, 1918. During heavy action Lieutenant, Junior Grade, McLendon continually pushed his dressing station to more advantageous positions. Although in great danger because of a severe shelling, he dressed his patients in an exposed position, using his dugout for the seriously wounded.