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 Major (Infantry) Arthur Edward Bouton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 18 July 1918. Major Bouton exhibition of dash and courage in leading an assaulting line against enemy machine-gun nests under terrific artillery fire and the successful protection of his left flank, which became exposed when liaison was broken, aided materially the success of the whole attack. He was killed by shell fire while leading his battalion in the assault.