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 Leslie Hardy (ASN: 49643), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bouresches, France, 8 June 1918. While leading his platoon under severe artillery fire, Sergeant Hardy was severely wounded but continued to lead and direct the operations of his platoon until he became completely exhausted and was carried to the first-aid station in his rear.