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 Sergeant John B. Brewer (ASN: 40255), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 18 July 1918. Leading his platoon in attack, Sergeant Brewer encountered heavy machine-gun and shell fire, but he continued to press on, despite a severe wound which he received early in the fight. While his line was being held up by machine-gun fire he encouraged his men, despite a second wound which shortly after compelled his removal from the field.