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 Sergeant Ralph Atkinson (ASN: 98612), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 167th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Landres et St. Georges, France, 16 October 1918. During the attack on the Cote-de-Chatillon, Sergeant Atkinson, in command of the Stokes Mortar Platoon, together with three other soldiers, was advancing with the first wave of the assault when, on nearing the objective, he discovered about 250 of the enemy forming for a counter attack. At this juncture he and his party advanced with a Stokes mortar, under heavy fire, to a position where he could get a fair field of fire, set up the mortar, and opened a murderous fire on the approaching enemy, dispersing them in every direction. His quick action, good judgment, and leadership undoubtedly not only broke up the enemy counterattack but inflicted severe losses on the enemy. He showed extraordinary heroism and courage at a critical time.