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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William W. Baldwin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Meurcy Farm on the Ourcq River, France, 29 July 1918. When the advance of the assault company which he was commanding was held up by a very heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Baldwin realizing the emergency, went to the front and personally participated in the capture of the machine-gun nests. Due to his personal leadership and outstanding courage, his company overcame the resistance, crossed the Ourcq River, and captured Meurcy Farm, when he was killed.