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) William C. Dabney, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, July 18 – 22, 1918. Lieutenant Dabney took his command over the top in four successive attacks near Soissons and by his bravery and effective leadership four times achieved success in reaching his objective.