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 Major (Infantry) Joseph Dorst Patch, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Chaudun, France, 18 July 1918. The leading battalion having encountered heavy resistance and his battalion having been ordered to pass through the leading battalion, Major Patch, because so many of his officers and men had been killed or wounded, with the greatest courage, coolness, and efficiency, personally led the assault of his battalion on the final objective. As a result of his fearlessness and leadership the objective was carried and he was severely wounded.