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) Ben E. Turner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Fismette, France, 27 August 1918. When the enemy attack preceded by very heavy barrage, had broken through and forced a retirement over the Vesle, Lieutenant Turner, himself wounded and under enemy fire from front and flanks directed the retirement of his men, while he alone covered their withdrawal over the river with an automatic rifle, crossing after the last man was safely over.