The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Joseph E. Blair (ASN: 72121), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the action of 12 April 1918 at Bois Brule, near Apremont, France. Private Blair displayed exceptional coolness and devotion to duty in declining to seek cover during bombardment and continuing at his post in exposed position awaiting attack of enemy. He was killed in action 13 April 1918.