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 Clarence Fred Cannon (ASN: 1309393), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Ponchaux, France, 7 October 1918. After being severely wounded by machine-gun fire Sergeant Cannon continued to lead his platoon in attack until he was ordered to the rear by his commanding officer.