The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) George R. Meehan, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, 5 October 1918. Lieutenant Meehan led his platoon through heavy artillery and machine-gun fire and urged his men forward in the attack by advancing ahead of the line. He was mortally wounded while in advance of his platoon. His example was such that inspired his men to continue in the advance and take their objective.