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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Thomas Kibler, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, October 3 – 4, 1918. Although severely gassed by a gas shell which burst in the trench beside him, Lieutenant Kibler retained command of his company and led it forward in a difficult night attack, penetrating the enemy’s line to a depth of 2 kilometers. Throughout the night he and his men were subjected to a deadly cross fire from enemy machine guns and at daybreak a strong counterattack was launched against him. Heroically leading a small force against the flank of the attacking party, Lieutenant Kibler succeeded in routing a greatly superior force. He courageously continued to lead his men until so weakened by the effects of the gas that he lost consciousness.