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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis A. Barlow, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near the Ourcq River, France, 31 July 1918. Lieutenant Barlow was severely wounded in the passage of the Ourcq River and the capture of the heights beyond, but continued in command of his company. When another officer of his company was wounded, he attempted to carry him to a place of safety, but was physically unable to do so. Although repeatedly urged to go to the rear, he continually refused and remained in command of the company until it was ordered to withdraw.