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 First Sergeant Ava H. Griswold (ASN: 2309699), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 125th Infantry Regiment, 32d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Romagne, France, October 9 – 12,1918. First Sergeant Griswold displayed initiative and marked personal bravery in voluntarily organizing the leading patrols under heavy fire beyond the front lines of his company. He thus obtained valuable information, his activity providing against surprise attacks by the enemy at a critical period. When he could not obtain volunteers for patrols, he did not hesitate to go on dangerous reconnaissance missions by himself.