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 Cornelius P. Collins (ASN: 2309730), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Meurcy Farm, north of Chateau-Thierry, France, 29 July 1918. When the advance of his platoon was held up by enemy fire from a machine-gun nest on Hill 212, Private Collins with several others charged the nest, but were repulsed with heavy losses, all but three of the party being killed or wounded. He and two comrades immediately volunteered and made the second assault, which was successful. His courageous and gallant actions were an inspiration to his company. He was severely wounded on July 30.