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 Captain (Infantry) Edward James Stackpole, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Baslieux, France, 24 August 1918. Directed to advance to a new position, Captain Stackpole led his men forward with great gallantry although painfully wounded in the back and leg by shell fragments, he remained on duty with his men, inspiring them by his courage and coolness to hold a difficult position against repeated attacks by the enemy in force for a period of 24 hours.