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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Hayes, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 323d Infantry Regiment, 81st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Manheulles, France, 11 November 1918. Although severely wounded, Lieutenant Hayes continued in command of his platoon in an advance under violent artillery fire until ordered to the rear by his company commander.