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 Axel Jermiason (ASN: 54697), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cantigny, France, 27 May 1918. Private Jermiason was so seriously wounded that he could not operate his automatic rifle, but refused to be evacuated and continued with the rifle taking the place of first loader. Becoming very weak from the loss of blood, he was ordered to the rear by his platoon commander, but on his way back picked up a rifle and continued in the fight until the enemy had been driven back.