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 Sergeant John M. Crocker (ASN: 1961691), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 322d Field Artillery, 83d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 16 and 17 October 1918. Maintaining a telephone line between infantry and artillery under a constant artillery barrage, Sergeant Crocker’s courage made possible the launching of artillery fire, which stopped enemy counterattacks. During the action he repaired 30 breaks, his line being so badly cut that he was obliged to use enemy wire for repairing. Because of the intensity of the fire, Sergeant rocker sent his men to a place of safety, remaining alone at the hazardous post.