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) Josiah B. Mudge, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 6th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Frapelle, France, 17 August 1918. First Lieutenant Mudge displayed notable courage and determination by leading his company to its objective through a heavy enemy barrage of high-explosive gas shells. Although gassed and wounded in the leg by a shell fragment, he remained in command of his company until it was relieved.