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 Joseph John Bassi (ASN: 562059), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 59th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bois-du-Fays, France, October 4 – 7, 1918. Showing marked personal courage, Private Bassi repeatedly crossed ground swept by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to deliver important messages. He volunteered for dangerous missions, his example being an inspiration to the other runners.