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 William B. Aylward (ASN: 63592), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Epieds, France, 23 July 1918. Corporal Aylward maintained liaison between the platoons of his company, and, after his platoon commander and sergeant had been shot down, he took command of the platoon, remaining in command until only two men and himself were left alive and unwounded. Although slightly gassed, he remained on duty, rendering first aid and carrying wounded to the First Aid Station until he became so overcome from the effects of the gas, that he had to be evacuated.