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 Brinda (ASN: 2181349), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 355th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Flirey, France, 12 September 1918. Without waiting orders Sergeant Brinda went forward against a concealed enemy machine gun which was holding up his platoon, killed the gunner, and captured four men, thereby enabling his platoon to continue the advance.