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 William Lee Knox (ASN: 65985), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Seicheprey, France, 20 April 1918. His platoon having been relieved from its position in the front lines, Sergeant Knox remained with the relieving platoon, which was without a commissioned officer, organized and maintained its position during a severe attack by enemy infantry, bombers, and machine-gun fire. Though his platoon was entirely surrounded and cut off from support, and he himself twice wounded by shrapnel and grenades, he led his men against the enemy, broke through their lines, and established contact with the units on his right. His coolness, leadership, and outstanding courage under intense enemy fire greatly inspired his men and spurred them on to great endeavors in the face of vastly superior numbers.