The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Lester Oliver Whitson (ASN: 1387285), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 131st Infantry Regiment, 33d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Hamel, Belgium. 4 July 1918. Although severely wounded in the shoulder at the beginning of the engagement, Corporal Whitson continued forward as squad leader, exhibiting great gallantry and setting an inspiring example to his men.