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 Corporal Louis Abend (ASN: 58629), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 28 – 30 May 1918. When all the officers of his platoon had become casualties under a heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, Corporal Abend, displaying great bravery and initiative, voluntarily took command, effected a reorganization of the platoon which was being rapidly depleted, and held his men so well in hand that they completely repulsed two powerful counterattacks launched by the enemy.