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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Gerald Courtney, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 102d Machine-Gun Battalion, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Wadonville, France, 25 September 1918. Lieutenant Courtney was wounded while conducting his platoon into position preparatory to laying a barrage for a raid. With utter disregard for his personal safety he remained on duty for more than an hour, satisfying himself that all of his guns were properly laid and adjusted for firing. After his wounds were dressed he returned to duty and remained with his platoon until it was relieved.