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 Sergeant Henry Howard (ASN: 556412), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 39th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Septsarges, France, 27 September 1918. Although seriously wounded during a bombardment which scattered his men and caused his company and battalion to retire behind a ridge in the rear, Sergeant Howard, with about fifteen men held the advanced position under the continuous fire of machine-guns, one-pounders, and artillery until relieved the following day by another battalion. He insisted on remaining with his detachment until the commanding officer of the relieving battalion personally directed his evacuation.