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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Christensen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 166th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Reims, France, 15 July 1918. Immediately following the bombardment of his position, Lieutenant Christensen conducted himself with heroic disregard of personal safety in speedily placing his men in such advantageous posts and spurring them to vigorous action by seizing a rifle and fighting himself on the parapet of the trench that the German charge at that point was instantly repulsed. Although wounded he remained on duty until the enemy was defeated and his men were safe.