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 Captain (Infantry) William Carter Burdett, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Medeah Ferme, France, 3 October 1918. Throughout five days of the most bitter fighting Captain Burdette displayed most exceptional valor and coolness in leading his men through intense machine-gun and barrage fire. He fell seriously wounded while at the head of his men.