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 Captain (Infantry) Elmer Heard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 360th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Le Grand Carre Farm, France, 1 November 1918. After all the other officers of his company had been wounded, Captain Heard remained in command, though he had himself been severely wounded and was suffering from illness, courageously leading his men throughout two days and nights of severe fighting.