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 Lieutenant (Infantry) William Walter Hames, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bussy Farm and Sechault, France, September 28 – 29, 1918. First Lieutenant Hames was in charge of the 37-millimeter guns, which he skillfully employed until they were put out of action. He then joined one of the assaulting waves advancing on the enemy’s position, and with the aid of two men captured a machine-gun and three prisoners. Although badly gassed, he continued in action until the next day, when he collapsed.