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 First Class Fred L. Laird (ASN: 1453036), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 138th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Hilsenfirst, Alsace, 6 July 1918. While acting as rear guard for a raiding party Private Laird saw two of the enemy who had escaped the attention of the raiding party preparing to cut off the retreat of the party. In spite of the enemy machine-gun and artillery fire he remained behind to cover the retreat of the party and by his rifle fire killed two of the enemy who were preparing to cut off the retreat of the party. A few minutes later, with a grenade, he killed one of the enemy who had attacked two unarmed litter bearers. By his prompt deed he saved the lives of these two men.