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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert John West, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Liny-devant-Dun and Fontaines, France, November 6 – 7, 1918. When his command was halted by heavy fire from an enemy position, strongly entrenched and supported by a large number of machine guns, Lieutenant Colonel West placed himself in front of his men and gallantly led them in person to a successful attack, thereby securing a foothold on the east bank of the Meuse and insuring the safe passage of additional troops. By his disregard for personal danger he set an inspiring example to his men and played a conspicuous role in gaining the heights on the east bank of the Meuse held by the enemy since 1914.