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 Corporal Herbert A. Cross (ASN: 129179), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery E, 12th Field Artillery, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Thiaucourt, France, 12 September 1918. Acting as gunner of the second piece, Corporal Cross continued in the service of his piece under heavy hostile shell fire. When the entire gun crew of the first piece was wiped out, at a word from his executive officer he assumed command of the first piece, with a hastily organized crew. He assisted in lifting aside the dead and wounded and continued in the service of the first piece during the barrage, until the infantry had attained their objectives.