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 Major (Infantry) William Sinkler Manning, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 316th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Verdun, France, 5 November 1918. Leading his command in the face of extremely heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, Major Manning displayed remarkable bravery and coolness in reorganizing his battalion after severe losses had been inflicted on them. By continuous encouragement and daring, he directed operations to the successful gaining of his objective. During operations, Major Manning was instantly killed by a machine-gun bullet.