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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Dawkins Mathis, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the Chateau-Thierry Sector, France, 6 June 1918. As a leader of a platoon on the first day of the Chateau-Thierry battle, First Lieutenant Mathis demonstrated conspicuous courage and ability, fearlessly going forward at the head of his command through hostile machine-gun fire. Killed while leading a gallant charge, his daring inspired his men to successful assault.