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 Private Patrick J. Canavan (ASN: 5853), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Medical Detachment, 23d Infantry Regiment (Attached), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, October 3 – 9, 1918. Private Canavan gave aid to the wounded under severe shell and machine-gun fire, and was wounded twice before he left the field. He refused the aid of stretcher bearers and walked alone to the ambulance station.