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 Ben Van Gunday (ASN: 2219587), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France, 8 October and Bois-de-Grande Montagne, France, 16 October 1918. During the entire action Private Van Gunday operated his automatic rifle with great effect against extremely heavy odds, aiding the advance of his platoon, killing may of the enemy, and assisting in the capture of many more. He repeatedly exposed himself to draw the enemy fire so that he could better operate his gun.