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 Private William Bryson (ASN: 2870626), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 7 November 1918. Private Bryson volunteered to reconnoiter an enemy trench to determine its exact location, and to ascertain whether or not it was protected by wire. His mission was accomplished under heavy fire, and the information he obtained proved of the greatest assistance and value.