The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, in lieu of a previously issued Certificate of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal, to Sergeant William Bryan, United States Army, for gallant conduct while serving with 69th Company, Coast Artillery Corps, in voluntarily entering a closed place and removing sacks of powder that were in close proximity to burning powder and smoldering debris, at the risk of his own life, thereby preventing further disaster after the explosion at Fort Monroe, Virginia, 21 July 1910.