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 Private First Class George W. Bartlett (ASN: 54347), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 19 July 1918. Acting in the capacity of battalion runner, Private Bartlett volunteered and carried an important attack order from his regimental headquarters to the front line battalion through a terrific artillery bombardment. He was twice knocked down while in the performance of this mission, but successfully delivered his message on time. Although in a dazed condition upon reaching the forward line, he again volunteered to carry a message across an area swept by enemy machine-gun fire.