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 Sergeant John Bilek (ASN: 55089), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the St. Mihiel offensive, France, 12 September 1918. When the advance of his company was held up by direct enemy machine-gun and artillery fire, Sergeant Bilek displayed unusual courage and leadership when, without orders and on his own initiative, he skillfully led his platoon to a position on the flank of the enemy. He then launched an attack which resulted in capturing several machine guns and many prisoners, thereby enabling his company to continue his advance.