The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private John C. Lenahan (ASN: 1710242), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company M, 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Grand Pre, France, 14 October 1918. When his company was ordered to take a position along the river bank under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, Private Lenahan, acting first sergeant, made his way from flank to flank, supervising the disposition of the troops. Despite serious wounds received, he completed his mission and reported to his company commander, dying shortly after from the effect of his wounds.