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 Martin F. Connelly (ASN: 1276046), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Machine-Gun Company, 113th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Bois d’Etrayes, France, 23 October 1918. During a counterattack Private Connelly, under heavy enemy machine-gun fire took the place of a gunner who had been wounded. He served this gun in its advanced position until forced by heavy fire and casualties to withdraw to a position with the company it was assisting. After serving the gun until the enemy attack was repulsed, Private Connelly voluntarily returned through the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and carried the wounded gunner to a place of safety.