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 First Class William H. Gladney (ASN: 1245981), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fismes, France, August 8 – 12, 1918. Private Gladney repeatedly carried messages for a period of five days from Fismes to Fismette. The route over which he traveled was exposed to enemy observation and covered by enemy sniper, machine-gun, and 77-millimeter fire. He frequently delivered messages when others failed. His gallant conduct enabled his commanding officer to maintain communication throughout the operation.