The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Alfred C. Arnold, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Medeah Farm, France, October 4 – 9, 1918. Lieutenant Colonel Arnold displayed the most inspiring personal bravery and cool judgment under massed counterattacks, heavy machine-gun fire, and intensive artillery barrage. Performing many gallant acts beyond those in the line of his duty, he held his line, maintained liaison under difficult conditions with the unit on his right, and at a critical time repelled a serious counterattack.

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) Alfred C. Arnold, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Thiaucourt, France, 12 September 1918. At a critical moment in the advance Lieutenant Colonel Arnold went through a barrage and stopped the assaulting lines of a neighboring unit which had failed to halt on their objective and were in danger from their own barrage. His coolness in walking up and down the line under heavy enemy bombardment inspired confidence and restored order in a wavering line.