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 Clifford Baker Mellen (ASN: 71186), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 16 October 1918. When Private Mellen was in a shell hole with an officer and eight men, the enemy threw some hand grenades, one landing among the men. Private Mellen seized it and attempted to throw it out when it exploded. His action saved the lives of his comrades, but resulted in a severe injury to himself.