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 Captain (Field Artillery) Don Robson McGill, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 308th Trench Mortar Battery, 158th Field Artillery Brigade, 83d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Brabant sur Meuse, France, 23 October 1918. Due to the untiring energy and determination of Captain McGill, eight 6-inch mortars and ammunition were transported to within 800 meters of the enemy lines, greatly aiding in the preparatory artillery bombardment. Although 15 of the 55 men engaged were killed, 13 wounded, and four gassed, the mortars were kept in action until the last one was destroyed by enemy fire.