The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private George Eugene Deggs (ASN: 3069505), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company E, 56th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Preny, France, 2 November 1918. During an enemy counterattack the dugout in which Private Deggs and his companions were taking shelter was surrounded by a group of the enemy, who were demanding surrender. Jumping to the fire step, and with the aid of a rifle, Private Deggs killed four of the enemy and caused the rest to flee in confusion.