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 Ralph Ball (ASN: 44380), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fleville, France, 9 October 1918. Although severely wounded, Corporal Ball led his section through a terrific barrage and advanced until his men had safely passed the bombed area before he would allow himself to be evacuated.