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) Marion Franklin McLeod, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 323d Infantry Regiment, 81st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Manheulles, France, 11 November 1918. While advancing with his platoon, under perilous shell fire, Lieutenant McLeod was severely wounded. Refusing aid, he remained and while his platoon was suffering heavy casualties he succeeded in holding his platoon under control and advancing it.