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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William C. Boyd, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ponchaux, France, 7 October 1918. During the attack of his company, displaying exceptional bravery and disregard of personal danger, Lieutenant Boyd went forward in the face of a heavy machine-gun fire, and in full view of the enemy carried a badly wounded soldier to safety in a near-by shell hole. His gallant conduct was an excellent example and an inspiration to his company.