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 Elmer M. Marsh (ASN: 43856), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company K, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Fleville, France, 3 and 4 October 1918. On 4 October after all officers had been killed or wounded, Sergeant Marsh took command of and led his platoon in the attack, during which he was severely wounded. The objective was taken and held, due in large measure to his gallant efforts. On the previous day he conducted a reconnaissance of the enemy position and located machine-gun positions. The information obtained proved valuable in the subsequent attack of 4 October 1918.