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 Private Charles Irvin Thomas (ASN: 1813890), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 311th Machine-Gun Battalion, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Nantillois, France, 29 September 1918. Private Thomas was detailed as a runner between the battalion commander and his company, While delivering messages he was severely wounded, but continued in the performance of his duty, refusing aid until ordered to the rear by his battalion commander.