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 Gerard P. Landry (ASN: 106254), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company B, Machine-Gun Battalion, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Soissons, France, 19 July 1918. When his platoon commander was incapacitated by wounds, Sergeant Landry displayed instant initiative, effectively took command of his platoon, and directed its movements with marked ability and courage during the remaining three days of the advance.