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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Batta, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fismes and Fismette, France, 10 August 1918. By bravely taking an exposed position at great risk to himself, Lieutenant Batta successfully maneuvered his command across a railroad track which was enfiladed by machine-gun and sniper fire. While doing so he was wounded in the neck, yet he fearlessly led his troops in a successful assault. His exceptional courage and initiative inspired his men to a victorious attack.