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 Private Leo Hand (ASN: 2192757), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Souplet, France, 10 October 1918. When his gun team had suffered heavy casualties Private Hand continued in the advance, although severely wounded by shell fire. His bravery was an inspiration to the men with him, and by continuing the operation of the machine-gun, he gave support which was invaluable to the advancing Infantry.