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 Rufus M. Coleman (ASN: 220909), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, October 8 – 24, 1918. In the Verdun sector, east of Meuse, Private Coleman volunteered on several occasions, during a heavy barrage, to take messages to the battalion commander. He at all times disregarded his personal safety, and his splendid work was an inspiration to all those associated with him.