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) Richard Prescott Hildreth, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 3 November 1918. During offensive operations west of the Meuse it was found necessary to withdraw his command to a less exposed position. When he had successfully accomplished this withdrawal, Captain Hildreth saw three of his men lying wounded 100 yards in front of his lines. Assisted by another officer, he crawled out, under heavy gun and shell fire, and safely conducted the wounded to shelter.