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 Private Elmer W. Gardner (ASN: 39586), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, south of Soissons, France, 18 July 1918. While acting as a runner, Private Gardner was seriously wounded, but in spite of his injury, he struggled forward and delivered his message.