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 Captain (Infantry) Allen Fletcher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 362d Infantry Regiment, 91st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Gesnes, France, 29 September 1918. Although he was severely wounded, Captain Fletcher continued to lead his company in the assault of Gesnes; then, much weakened by his wound, he reorganized his company and directed its employment as a covering detachment in the withdrawal. He remained with his company until ordered to leave his post and received medical treatment. He showed throughout the engagement a devotion to duty only exceeded by his utter disregard of personal safety.