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 Corporal Leonard Lyle Cavanaugh (ASN: 48254), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Exermont, France, 4 October 1918. After all the officers of the company had become casualties, Corporal Cavanaugh took command of and reorganized the company under heavy fire and led it in the attack on Hill 240. It was due to his courage and initiative that his company reached all objectives.