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 Sergeant Paul Willis (ASN: 1488233), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne, France, 8 October 1918. Upon the death of his platoon commander, Sergeant Willis took command of the platoon and led his men in an attack against the enemy. Although wounded several times, he continued to lead his men until killed by machine-gun fire.