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 First Class William T. Coolahan (ASN: 1257762), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, 109th Machine-Gun Battalion, 28th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fismes, France, 9 August 1918. Private Coolahan exposed himself to heavy machine-gun fire to stand in the middle of the Vesle River and assist the members of his section across the stream. His individual courage was an important factor in enabling his organization to cross the stream and take up a position to cover the crossing of Infantry units.