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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Rexie E. Gilliam, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Soissons, France, July 18 – 22, 1918. Four times Lieutenant Gilliam led his company over the top during the battle of Soissons, and by his individual bravery inspired his men to four successful attacks.