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 Joseph P. LaJennessee (ASN: 2382994), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company D, 60th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 14 October 1918. Sergeant La Jennessee retained the command of his platoon after he had received a severe gunshot wound in the leg, maintained the organization of his platoon under heavy fire, and directed it in the overcoming of several machine-gun positions. He consolidated his position on the line held by the company and remained on post 36 hours until ordered evacuated on account of his wound.