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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert A. Byrns, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 107th Infantry Regiment, 27th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Venduil, France, 29 September 1918. Lieutenant Byrns, although himself wounded, reorganized his company after the captain was killed and led it forward in the face of intense machine-gun fire until he was wounded a second time. His splendid courage and gallant conduct set an inspiring example to all ranks.