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 Corporal Orvel H. Halley (ASN: 58710), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, October 1 – 3, 1918. While in charge of two squads of a reconnoitering patrol on an exceptionally hazardous mission in the vicinity of Serieux Farm, Corporal Halley displayed utter fearlessness, leading his men in groups through zones swept by intense machine-gun fire, returning three times to guide those left behind. Reaching his objective, he voluntarily entered and moved about within the German lines, returning with important information for the officer in charge of the patrol. When the patrol was surrounded, Corporal Halley, although dangerously situated with his men, held on, refusing to surrender and repulsed two attacks. Later, when attacked by much greater force, he succeeded under cover of semidarkness in withdrawing under heavy fire and joined his company. His bravery, coolness, and devotion to duty were a constant inspiration to his men.