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 Captain (Infantry) Louis Lucian Ligon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Brancourt, France, 8 October 1918. Commanding a battalion, which had been caught in a terrific barrage, Captain Ligon pushed forward and led his command until the barrage had lifted. Although he was severely gassed, which, rendered him nearly speechless and caused much suffering, Captain Ligon remained with his troops for eight days, leaving his post only when ordered to do so by his commanding officer.